Immigration officer arrested, charged over passport probe

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 28 November 2017, 12:00AM

A former Immigration Officer, David Nomereta Uaine, has been charged in relation to an ongoing Police investigation into the alleged sale of Samoan passports online.

This was confirmed by Police Superintendent and Media Spokesperson, Logoitino Filipo, who said Uaine was arrested last week.

He has been charged with forgery and he faces the possibility of additional charges.

“Due to the sensitivity of this case, the S.P.S. will not provide any further comments while the court case is pending,” Logoitino said.

“The S.P.S. is committed to ensure public confidence in its police service.”

The Police, however, acknowledged the help from members of the public with their investigation.

 “The Samoa Police Service will also like to acknowledge the assistance by the immigration department and the Attorney General's office as well as members of the public who have assisted the police in this investigation that led to the arrest of this individual.”

The accused is scheduled to appear before Court on Monday. 

The sale of passports was bought to the attention of the Immigration Office by the Samoa Observer back in September.

This led to the government launching an investigation into allegations that someone was “selling Samoan passports” online – and to places as far away as Africa.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 28 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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