Former Bank Teller Allegedly Swindled $430k

The Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday denied bail for former bank officer Aminiasi Waqanivau, 54, because of the seriousness of his alleged offence.

Magistrate Senikavika Lagilagi Jiuta remanded Waqanivau, who is charged with fraudulently obtaining $430,000 while being employed as a bank teller in 2017.

The court heard that two reports were investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Major Fraud Economic Crime Unit, where Waqanisau allegedly conducted unauthorised withdrawals and signed for custody and control assets documents for the two victims – a 70-year-old businessman and a 37-year-old businesswoman without their knowledge.

The court heard that $430,000 was withdrawn from their accounts.

Charges

Waqanivau has been charged with two counts of obtaining financial advantage-Contrary to section 326 (1) (a) (b) (c) of the Crimes Act 2009, and two counts of General Dishonestly Causing a Loss-Contrary to section 324 (1) of the Crimes Act 2009.

Prosecutor Sergeant Selveen Sharma objected bail for Waqanivau because of the large sum of money allegedly swindled. Waqanivau pleaded the court for bail citing he has a business in his village and is the treasurer of a school.

Sureties

Magistrate Jiuta asked Waqanivau if he had a surety, which he replied that he had his wife. He was advised that the court did not allow wives and husbands to be sureties.

For the seriousness of his alleged offence, Waqanivau was denied bail and remanded for two weeks.

The case has been adjourned for mention on December 6.

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