As more Tongans across the United States and the wider diaspora come forward with allegations about a recently collapsed Ponzi‑style scheme—alongside renewed concerns about an earlier, high‑profile case still awaiting trial—Kaniva News is sharing fresh FBI guidance urging anyone who believes they have been victimised to report the matter directly to its Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Earlier this week, we reported that a Tongan woman in Salt Lake City, known on Facebook as Victorine Polygirl, had clashed publicly with investors on social media.
Many said they were misled into believing her scheme would deliver rapid, high‑yield returns. Some accused her of being a liar (“loi”) and “mata fefeka,” (hard-faced) expressing frustration over unfulfilled payouts and unanswered messages.
While full details of the investment remain unclear, reports and complaints on Facebook indicate that a significant number of people invested substantial sums, in some cases reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Investor email reveals rising frustration
A copy of an email purportedly sent to Victorine by an investor — and obtained by Kaniva News — highlights the growing desperation among those who say they entrusted her with money, as well as the apparent lack of any formal contract or documentation supporting the investment.
“My name is Lavinia Fuapau, I zelle you $6000,” the sender wrote.
She continued:
“Back in April of 2025 for a ROI of $12,000 as you promised on advertising 2 yrs get 100% back.”
The email also raised concerns about missing paperwork:
“I have been asking you several times for my contract agreement forms but you never filled it out as you supposed to do.”
Appealing to Victorine’s sense of responsibility, she added:
“Let me remind you, what you have is blessed by the people.”
The message concluded with a blunt demand:
“I am out of patience, no patience anymore and I need you to send back… just my 12,000 that I entrusted with you.”
We have contacted Fuapau for comment.
This email reflects dozens of similar complaints across Facebook, where frustrated investors say their money has not been returned and promises of profits have not materialised.
Victorine’s social media responses
Victorine’s replies to criticism varied widely. At times, she claimed the funds were being invested in multiple business ventures in which participants would supposedly hold shares.
In other posts, she appeared frustrated—mocking investors with facial expressions—while elsewhere accusing her critics of “defaming her.”
On livestream, she showcased what she described as a soap‑making business and claimed the products were being sold in a shop. In another video, she walked through a building with an attached shop and unfinished carpentry work, saying it was a new restaurant.
These posts appeared intended to reassure investors that their money was being used to build legitimate businesses.
However, many viewers were unconvinced. Commenters argued that the sums Victorine collected were far too large for such small ventures to generate meaningful returns.
Several accused her of being “fake” and “pretending,” dismissing her demonstrations as insufficient to justify the funds taken.
Some also alleged she used investors’ money to build a luxurious home in Vavaʻu and purchase an expensive vehicle. Kaniva News was unable to verify these claims.
FBI advises victims to report immediately
In earlier communications with Kaniva News about Ponzi‑style operations affecting the Tongan community, the FBI emphasised that anyone who suspects they have been defrauded should act as quickly as possible.
The FBI advises victims to take the following steps:
- Contact local, state, or national law enforcement to report what happened.
- Submit a detailed complaint to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.IC3.gov, including names, dates, phone numbers, promises made, and all communication records.
The Bureau notes that even if a report does not immediately lead to enforcement action, victim submissions help investigators identify patterns, link related cases, and build evidence against suspected perpetrators.
The FBI also encourages victims to speak to someone they trust, noting that shame, embarrassment, or anger are common reactions — but reporting can turn those emotions into constructive action.
This guidance is particularly relevant now as Victorine’s alleged scheme draws comparisons with previous affinity‑based frauds targeting Tongans, including HyperFund, Validus, and Tongi Tupe — all of which left many families financially devastated.
FBI’s call for Tongi Tupe victims still open
Following our report earlier this month on Tongi Tupe and its founder Tilila Siola’a Walker Sumchai, who is set to stand trial in March 2027, several readers contacted Kaniva News saying they were victims and still hoped to recover their money.
The FBI’s appeal for potential victims remains open, nearly three years after the case began, as investigators continue to identify those affected by the Tongi Tupe investment programme.
Walker Sumchai has been charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, and selling unregistered securities. Court documents allege she defrauded more than 1,000 investors of over US$13 million, promising guaranteed returns before diverting the money to personal expenses — including gambling — and using new deposits to pay earlier investors.
The FBI is urging anyone who believes they were victimised to complete its official questionnaire to support the ongoing federal investigation.
