Nuku’alofa – A local car dealership sales manager was sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of obtaining money by false pretences.
Kisione To’aho, the owner of Getpert Computers—a business that also imports vehicles from Japan—was convicted in a case involving two complaints from defrauded customers.
The first complaint came from Ms. Loseli Liu, representing Sino Union Economic Trading Ltd of Ma’ufanga. On June 14, 2024, Liu paid To’aho $19,800 for a vehicle, assuring it would be delivered the following week.
Despite repeated promises, the car never arrived, and the company was forced to demand a refund before reporting the matter to the police.
The second victim, Mele Veatupu, approached To’aho in March 2024 to purchase a $9,800 Nissan Note for transport to Vava’u. After payment, the vehicle was never delivered.
Judge Tupou sentenced To’aho to 16 months imprisonment for the fraud charges, with an additional eight months added due to activating a previous suspended sentence—bringing the total to 24 months. However, under strict conditions, the final 4 months were suspended for two years.
To ensure compliance and support rehabilitation, To’aho will not commit any further criminal offences that are punishable by imprisonment. He will be subject to mandatory probation supervision, requiring them to report to their probation officer within 48 hours of release. Additionally, completing a life skills or rehabilitation program is necessary to aid in their reintegration into society.
Despite his conviction, To’aho was described by his town officer as a “trustworthy and hardworking” member of the Tokomololo community. Married with five children, he reportedly expressed remorse and a willingness to repay the victims but hesitated out of fear of imprisonment.
Judge Tupou noted the breach of trust in the offences but acknowledged To’aho’s community standing, allowing partial suspension of his sentence.
He will now serve 20 months in prison, with early release contingent on good behaviour and compliance with probation terms.
