An Auckland-based Samoan couple who spent NZ$158,000 accidentally deposited into their bank account have been publicly named and sentenced to community detention. 

Senia Filipo, 39, and her husband, Alexander Saumani Filipo, 37, admitted receiving the money in what they initially called a “blessing from God,” later claiming they thought it was winnings from online gambling.

Judge Simon Lance rejected their explanation, pointing out that the couple quickly moved most of the funds—paying bills, sending $20,000 back to family in Samoa, and purchasing a new vehicle. Senia, a mother of five young children, pleaded guilty to theft, while Alexander, a warehouse worker, admitted receiving $64,000.

The money was mistakenly sent by 78-year-old retired electrical engineer Andrew Che Sit Bong in January 2024. He had intended to transfer his life savings from Barclays Bank in the UK to his Auckland Westpac account, but one wrong digit caused the money to land in Senia’s account.

The couple argued that name suppression was necessary to protect their employment and avoid shame in the Samoan community and church. However, Judge Lance said the offence was moderate to serious, and open justice principles outweighed their concerns.

He sentenced the couple to six months’ community detention, allowing them to serve the term at home while caring for their children. Barclays Bank refunded Che, who said the couple had spent his life savings “like nobody’s business,” and welcomed the court’s decision as a message that receiving someone else’s money is a serious crime.