Sigatoka man charged with $1.3m deception

A 53-year-old man from Sigatoka is due to appear at the Sigatoka Magistrates Court today, charged with allegedly obtaining more than $1.3 million from a foreign national.

Police allege the man first met the victim in 2018 while employed at a resort, where they discussed plans to establish a business in Sigatoka and purchase a property in Savusavu.

Between August 2021 and February 2023, the accused is alleged to have dishonestly obtained the money through various bank and money transfer transactions, under the pretense that it would fund the business and property project.

Investigators say it was later discovered the funds were used for the accused’s personal benefit.

He has been charged with one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception.