Scamming on the increase

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 09 May 2017, 12:00AM

There has been a worrying increase in the number of scammers in Samoa, according to the Police Spokesperson, Su’a Le Mamea Tiumalu.

Regarding a recent case, Su’a said a female suspect has been arrested and charged for stealing and obtaining by deception. 

While Su’a declined to divulge her name, reliable sources within the police identified the woman as Punaotala Sakai also known as ‘Puna’. 

According to Su’a the woman allegedly scammed two families.

It is alleged that she was able to get $10,000 from a woman of Vaitele-fou. 

Su’a was unclear about what was promised for the money, but said that there was also another victim. 

“A woman from Vailele gave the accused $5,000 in return for a vehicle,” he said. 

To this day, there is no car and the money has gone. 

Nazario Chong Nee, Puna’s husband was arrested the same day she was taken in by police last week. According to Su’a, when the police arrived to execute an arrest warrant for Puna in Tuanaimato, Chong Nee took off running and the police pursued him on foot. 

He was apprehended and the police, found one marijuana joint in his possession. He has now been charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Su’a said that Chong Nee is known to the police. 

“He was arrested before in connection with the first bank robbery in Samoa back in 2012.”  

The couple were scheduled to appear in court yesterday.  

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 09 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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