Ex-banker pleads guilty to theft

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 09 December 2016, 12:00AM

A former banker with the ANZ Bank has pleaded guilty to theft in relation to the taking of more than $100,000 from an ATM machine.

Mathew Iakopo, of Malololelei, entered the plea when he appeared before District Court Judge Fepulea’i Ameperosa Roma. 

The 28-year-old was responsible for filling up the A.T.M machines for the bank.

The matter was first mentioned in the Supreme Court on Monday when it was revealed that Iakopo was facing three charges.

The other two charges were not disclosed in Court.

However representing the National Prosecution Office, lawyer Lucy Sio, later asked the Court for the two charges to be withdrawn. 

This left the lone charge of theft.

Ms. Sio also asked the Court for the matter to be transferred to the District Court. Her application was granted.

The incident occurred on 5 November 2016 when money from the ATM machine at the Samoa National Provident Fund Plaza went missing. 

According to the Police Media Officer, Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu, only $65,100 has been recovered and a brand new vehicle that had been found.

The matter has been adjourned for sentence on 25 January 2017.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 09 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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