A foreign businessman accused of stealing from a local A.T.M. has pleaded not guilty to 40 criminal charges.

Catalin Razvan Veverita’s plea was entered through his lawyer, Lei’ataualesa Komisi Koria, during criminal mention in the District Court yesterday. 

Prosecuting the case was Vaisala Afoa of the Attorney General’s office. 

District Court Judge Talasa Lumepa Atoa Sa’aga is presiding.

Information pertaining to the charges was not discussed in Court.

But the defendant who is out on bail sought for the Court’s approval to leave the country.

“He has a business in Vanuatu that he needs to attend to and that is the ground,” Leiataualesa said. 

“However we would make a written application and set a date within week’s time if that is suitable.”

Judge Atoa-Saaga asked the lawyer to file the application.

Defence Counsel noted that in order to make the application they need some of the documents that the police may have confiscated from his client.

“I understand that not all the items that were confiscated are relevant to the investigation. We are happy for the police to retain some of those items that are not of evidence so I hope they can return some of those items that are not relevant for evidence to my client.”

Judge Talasa informed the Defence Counsel to discuss the matter with the Prosecution and then advice the court.

The matter has been adjourned 15 November 2017 for hearing.