An expatriate manager of a hotel in Apia, who has been accused of raping an employee, remains overseas for business amid an ongoing Police investigation. 

The complaint was lodged by a former employee of the hotel in early September this year with the expatriate manager leaving the country shortly after the alleged incident. 

The manager, who is currently overseas, was previously contacted for a comment regarding the alleged incident when it came to light. However, he referred all queries to his local lawyers, Leumuava Quentin Sauaga and Arthur Lesa. 

When contacted for a comment on Thursday, his lawyer, Leumuava Quentin Sauaga confirmed his client is “currently overseas for a business trip and will return in due time”. 

Asked if the foreign national is still a manager at the hotel, Leumuava replied that his client is still an employee of the company. 

Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the case is still open and their investigation is ongoing and pointed out the Police can request to have the foreign national returned to Samoa if they have sufficient evidence to press charges against him. 

The expatriate manager has been overseas for close to two months now for “business”.

The alleged incident occurred on 6 September 2023 and the complaint was lodged with the Police on Saturday 9 September 2023, specifically the Police Criminal Investigation Department.

The woman who lodged the complaint is no longer employed by the hotel.