Three charged over businessman attack, $23,000 theft

Three young men have been charged with assault and theft of $23,000 from a Chinese businessman last Saturday.

According to a social media post by the Samoa Police Services police investigations indicate that the individuals stole a back-pack from the victims’ vehicle at around 6pm.

"At the time of the assault the men were under the influence of alcohol," the statement read.

"One of the men distracted the victim while the other forcefully took the bag containing ST$23,000.00."

The victim sustained an injury from a punch to the face when he tried to go after the three males.

Police were able to respond and carry out an investigation starting last Saturday night.

"S.P.S. has recovered ST$21,545 together with items such as boxes of chicken [and] beers from the suspects," the public release stated.

"The items have since been returned to the victim."

One of the three suspects was arrested early Sunday morning and was charged accordingly, and will be remanded in custody until October 1 for court mention.

The other two were arrested and charged on Monday, September 16 and both retained in police custody until mention on October 1 also.