8 Jun 2017

Samoa minister takes colleague to court

8:57 am on 8 June 2017

A Samoa cabinet minister who was last year cleared of fraud and forgery allegations is now suing the minister who made the allegations against him.

The associate minister in the Prime Minister's office, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, is suing the minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli ale Malietoa Leuatea Polata'ivao and his business associates Apulu Lance Polu and Martin Jonathan Schwalger for more than $US1 million.

Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, Olinda Woodruffe and a legal assistant from New Zealand

Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, Olinda Woodruffe and a legal assistant from New Zealand Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Last year, La'auli and other shareholders of Local Partners and Associates Limited lodged a complaint against Peseta accusing him of fraud and forgery.

The Supreme Court found Peseta not guilty of the charges and the Samoa Observer reports he is now suing the trio, who are former business partners, for breaching their fiduciary duties and misappropriating company funds.

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