Four Tongan nationals had been sent to two years in jail for involvement in issuing forged document to assist producing fake passports.
Justice Charles Cato sentenced Sosefo Sione ‘Ahohako, 37, of Longolongo, Ola Fieauna Tameifuna, 55, of Kolofo’ou,‘Isileli Kaumavae, 30, of ‘Utulau and Sioeli Heleta, 26, of Kolofo’ou on Friday.
Kaumavae was sentenced to 2 year imprisonment with the last 12 months suspended.
‘Ahohako was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months imprisonment with the last 12 months suspended.
Heleta was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months imprisonment with the last 12 months suspended and Tameifuna was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment.
Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell said today’s sentencing sent a very clear message about the seriousness of the offending and a deterrent to people tempted to commit such crime in the future.
The investigation by Tonga Police into alleged fraudulent activities over issuing of Tongan passports commenced on August 25th 2015, at the direction of the Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell.
The Passport Taskforce is headed by Deputy Commissioner Viliami ‘Unga Fa’aoa and is staffed by 16 police investigators. “I acknowledge the hard work, professionalism and dedication by Deputy Fa’aoa and his team,” says Commissioner Caldwell.
