Former bank Manager in Court for theft

The former Branch Manager for the Bank of South Pacific (B.S.P.) in Savai’i, Aitogi Iakopo Salanoa, appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday, charged with theft as a servant. 

Salanoa is accused over the alleged misappropriation of more than $18,000 from the B.S.P. during her employment term. 

Represented by lawyer, Arthur Lesa, the accused has yet to enter a plea. 

Mr. Lesa sought an adjournment so he can obtain instructions from his client on her plea. 

He also asked to vary the bail conditions for the mother to allow her to sign in at the Tuasivi Savai’i Police outpost. 

She has been signing at the Police headquarter in Apia since she was charged. 

“My children are based in Savai’i and I’m signing at the Apia police post,” the accused told the Court. 

Justice Mata Keli Tuatagaloa then ordered the bail conditions to be varied to allow Ms. Salanoa to sign in at Tuasivi police post. 

The matter was also adjourned for two weeks for the accused to enter her plea on 13 October 2020. 

The mother of Aleisa and Sa’asa’ai is alleged to have embezzled the funds through fake loans.