The District Court has issued an arrest warrant for Tui Vaai Jr who flew out of the country while a criminal case against him was on foot. 

The arrest warrant was issued on July 20, 2018 which was the day he was scheduled to appear before the court for his sentencing. 

Assistant Chief Immigration Officer, Siaopo Pese, confirmed recently that his office has begun an internal investigation into how the accused flew out while a Departure Prohibition Order (D.P.O.) banning him from travel was in place. 

The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration Assistant C.E.O., Ve'atauia Fa'atasi Puleiata, also confirmed that there is a pending criminal case against Tui Vaai Jr in court and an arrest warrant has since been issued. 

According to the arrest warrant, Tui Vaai of Si’usega and Fasito’otai was implicated on deception charge. 

The warrant states the accused sold Lot 35 in Plan 11388 to Laufau Saleimoa Amosa, which was already sold to a Victori Lui, thereby obtained $10,000 and causing losses to Saleimoa, a female of Vaitele and Auala Savaii. Upon his arrest he will remain in custody until his court appearance. 

Siaopo said a case officer has been assigned to investigate the matter as the D.P.O has a six-month validity. An immigration file on the accused has been handed to the police. 

“So for D.P.O. that is recorded in the immigration system, the law says that it’s only valid for six months, unless a new D.P.O. is put into the system and so we are trying to determine that but for the time being the matter is being investigated,” he added.