Magistrate releases Westpac Bank employees on bail [1]
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - 17:43. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Twelve former employees of the Westpac Bank of Tonga, Nuku'alofa Branches who have been charged with multiple counts of embezzlement were released on bail by Magistrate Salesi Mafi yesterday, March 12.
The accused Sione Matafahi, Tavake Kaufusi, Fifita Latu, Silivenusi Moala, Salote Latu, Temipale Tatafu, Anasitasisi To'a, Stephanie Cocker, Sioeli Muli, Lose Tengange and Mo'ui Loketi were released on bail on the condition that they surrender their passports to the court and were prohibited to travel outside of Tongatapu.
The police initially charged 10 former employees of the bank with embezzlement then two more were charged also with embezzlement and increased the number of former employees of the Westpac Bank of Tonga who have been charged with embezzlement to 12, as of yesterday, March 12.
The case is historical, according to the police, because it is highest number of employees to have been charged with a crime against one private company.
The accused will appear in court on May 5 for their Preliminary Inquiry hearing.