A former employee of the National Bank of Samoa has entered her plea of not guilty to multiple charges of theft as a servant connected to the misappropriation of more than $100,000 from customers’ accounts.

Upuia Suaalofi Matilalefoafoa appeared before the Supreme Court Justice, Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma on Monday this week. 

A former employee of the National Bank of Samoa (N.B.S.) the defendant was represented by lawyer Tanya Toailoa.

She pleaded not guilty to 177 charges which include; theft as a servant, obtaining by deception and false accounting. 

The alleged offending dates back to 2013 and involves the bank customers account for pensioners and other clients that had their accounts allegedly altered by the defendant during the time she was employed by N.B.S. 

The defendant held a senior position during her time at the N.B.S. branch in Matafele before she made her exit when the matter came under investigation several years ago. 

Her trial has been adjourned until June next year and she is on bail pending the hearing date. 

In another case, a former Manager of the ANZ Bank, Seira Malifa appeared in Court this week again to schedule a new hearing date. 

Ms. Malifa pleaded guilty to 303 charges of theft as a servant and pleaded not guilty to 25 additional charges of theft involving cash estimated to be around $1.3 million. 

Lawyer Foisala Afoa represented Ms. Malifa while prosecutor for the Attorney General’s Office was Lupematasila Iliganoa Atoa. 

Justice Roma said the hearing for Ms. Malifa will be called on 8 July. 

Her trial was initially scheduled for February next year.