BY ROMINAH FAKA
The Magistrate Court yesterday adjourned the case involving three individuals accused of fraud to 18 June 2025.
On that date, the prosecution is expected to update the court on its position regarding the review of evidence and whether it intends to proceed to trial. Counsels will also indicate their availability for setting a trial date.
During the appearance yesterday, the prosecution informed the court that Pre-Trial Conferences (PTC) had already been conducted for two of the defendants, except for Joe Rex Raukaniu.
The trio—Joe Rex Raukaniu, Elsie Vamily Nagive, and Shirly Fa’aitoa—are charged with one count of false pretence for allegedly obtaining money from individuals by falsely recruiting them for seasonal work in Australia.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution indicated it will call six witnesses during the trial.
Joe Rex Raukaniu is also separately charged with two additional counts of false pretence.
The prosecution further informed the court that issues previously raised by the court had yet to be discussed with the Director of Public Prosecutions. As a result, the prosecution sought an adjournment to allow time for consultation and to provide an update at the next court mention.
According to police, on two separate occasions in February 2023, Joe Rex, along with his two agents, allegedly informed two separate complainants that they were recruiting workers for seasonal jobs in Australia.
It is alleged that Joe Rex took $2,500 from the first complainant, and—together with Elsie and Shirly—took $2,300 from the second complainant.
After receiving the money, the accused allegedly told the complainants they would be updated on the status of their applications for seasonal work. However, no further updates were provided as promised.
The complainants then lodged formal complaints with the police.
Selwyn Vaike is prosecuting the case. A private lawyer is representing Joe Rex, while Public Solicitors are representing Nagive and Fa’aitoa.
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