ODPP gets order over $1.2m worth of  properties

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) successfully obtained a restraining order over $1.2million worth of property last week.

A restraining order was granted by the High Court in its civil jurisdiction under the Proceeds of Crime Act against property owned by Aidong Zhang, Changhui Liu, Home Finance Company Limited, New Home Trading Company Limited.

The properties consist of monies in a Home Finance Company Limited account of Changhui Liu, two freehold properties, one house and two vehicles.

Aidong Zhang has also been charged in a corollary criminal case brought by the ODPP with one count of obtaining property by deception and one count of money laundering. It is alleged that between June 1, 2014 and January 31, 2016, the accused deceptively obtained property and engaged directly or indirectly in money laundering in the amount of $1,240,740.74.

The matter has been adjourned to February 3. Source: Office of the Director of

Public Prosecutions

Man admits to planting marijuana

A 39-year-old farmer charged with unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs will be sentenced on February 23.

Eparama Vitivakabuka pleaded guilty to the charge of cultivating 2.5 kilo grams on cannabis sativa (marijuana) on January 2, 2012, at Naivakarauniniu Village in Kadavu.

The case was called before Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa at the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Vitivakabuka waived his rights to a lawyer and told the court that he would represent himself.

He was further remanded in custody.

The case has been adjourned to February 23, for sentencing.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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