The arrest of a child molestation suspect in the United States last week has reignited the Tongan case against three individuals who allegedly took part in a passport fraud scheme to help the accused flee Tonga.
William James Purdy, 28, of West Valley, Utah – a former missionary accused of sexually abusing minors in Tonga – was arrested last week in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A federal grand jury indicted Purdy on July 16 on charges related to the exploitation of children outside U.S. territory.
He allegedly committed the crime in Tonga during his 2017 LDS mission and later as a teacher between 2019–2022.
Accused of grooming victims with gifts, electronics and money for sexual acts and secret recordings, he was arrested in 2022 after an eight-year-old’s disclosure.
Released but continuing abuse, Purdy fled to Utah before trial using a fake identity. Fourteen victims have been identified.
Trio Charged in Tonga
Malia Musie Halaifonua, 40, Jim Folau Joseph Dwyer Manu Tupou, 29, and Teau Faletau, 43, all charged in 2023 for allegedly facilitating Purdy’s escape through passport fraud.
Kaniva Tonga News understands that since the Tongan accused first appeared in court in 2023, the case has faced delays, including an appeal to the Supreme Court.
As this article goes to publication, we have been unable to locate any updated information regarding the current status of the case.
Passport System Failures Mount
As Kaniva News reported last week, the case reveals disturbing details about Purdy’s escape from justice in Tonga.
After allegedly obtaining a fraudulent passport, Purdy travelled to Fiji before disappearing en route to the United States.
The circumstances surrounding the processing of these travel documents have raised serious concerns about passport security and immigration controls in Tonga, especially given Purdy’s status as a wanted individual at the time of his departure.
Last week, social media users repeatedly asked: “Who helped Purdy flee Tonga before facing justice?”
This scrutiny comes at a critical time—Tonga’s passport system is under review by the U.S. government, with the Trump administration recently warning that travel restrictions may be imposed unless Tonga improves its passport security measures.
Tongan passport scandals have been widespread, involving a king, a former prime minister, and numerous government officials—many of whom ended up in court.
