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Tilila Siola’a Walker’s ponzi scheme trial set for March 2027, U.S. prosecutors confirm

By
Kalino Latu
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office has confirmed that Tilila Siola‘a Walker, the Tongan woman charged in 2023 over an alleged mulit-million Ponzi‑style investment scheme, is now scheduled to stand trial on 1 March 2027.

Tilila Siola‘a Walker, who faces U.S. federal charges over an alleged Ponzi‑style investment scheme, is scheduled to stand trial in March 2027.

The clarification followed Kaniva Tonga News’ request for an update and its alert to U.S. authorities that Walker is now linked to promoting BG Wealth Sharing, a scheme officially branded a “scam” by financial regulators in both Tonga and New Zealand.

In its official response, the U.S. Office said it had forwarded Kaniva Tonga News’ information to the attorneys currently managing the matter, but stressed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is bound by a strict communications policy that prevents it from commenting on any potential new investigations.

In an email to this outlet, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote:

“As you may know, the policy of the U.S. Department of Justice is to neither confirm or deny an investigation, so I cannot say whether or not there is an investigation into any current happenings.”

This means that U.S. federal prosecutors will not publicly state whether they are examining new claims or recent developments connected to Walker, including any additional schemes she is alleged to be promoting.

However, in a significant development in Walker’s 2023 Ponzi‑scheme case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed:

“Ms. Walker’s trial is now scheduled for March 1, 2027, a year away. This is to give the defense the time to prepare for trial.”

Investor Funds Spent on Casino Trips and Shopping

U.S. regulators allege that Walker (also known as Tilila Walker Sumchai) orchestrated a major Ponzi‑style investment scheme that defrauded members of the Tongan American community across the United States.

According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Walker raised approximately US $11.8 million from more than 1,000 investors between January and October 2021 through a fraudulent securities offering.

The SEC’s complaint states that Walker promoted an investment she named “Tongi Tupe,” claiming she used a secret algorithm that guaranteed extremely high returns.

Investigators say she first targeted respected Tongan American community leaders, paying them unusually large returns to build trust and legitimacy. These leaders, believing the scheme was genuine, then hosted meetings and promoted Tongi Tupe to broader groups within the community.

According to the SEC, Walker promised impossible profits, including claims that a US $3,000 investment would return US $146,000 in just 16 weeks. In reality, the SEC alleges that Tongi Tupe produced no legitimate investment returns.

Instead, Walker operated a classic Ponzi scheme, using money from new investors to pay earlier participants. The complaint further alleges that she diverted investor funds for personal expenses, including casino trips, travel, and shopping.

Kaniva News understands that Tongans in New Zealand and Australia—particularly members and affiliates of the Tonga Democratic Party (PTOA)—were heavily invested in the scheme, as Walker was one of the prominent figures within the diaspora group at the time.

The SEC filed civil charges against Walker in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, accusing her of violating multiple U.S. securities laws, including anti‑fraud provisions and rules prohibiting the sale of unregistered securities.

Regulators are seeking permanent injunctions, a conduct‑based injunction, disgorgement of profits, civil monetary penalties, and an order barring Walker from serving as an officer or director of any company.

FBI Urges Potential Tongi Tupe Victims to Come Forward

In its 2023 public notice, the FBI urged anyone who believes they were affected by Walker’s Tongi Tupe investment program to come forward and assist federal authorities.

The Bureau said it is legally required to identify victims in fraud cases and asked potential victims to complete an official questionnaire, noting that the information provided may help the investigation and allow agents to contact individuals for further details.

The FBI stressed that responses are voluntary but important for determining the scope of the alleged fraud.

Fresh judging controversy reignites Tongan mistrust of Miss Pacific Islands — despite reform promises

By
Kalino Latu
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Commentary – Fresh controversy at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has reignited anger among Tongan supporters, who say the regional event continues to betray their trust despite public assurances of reform.

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has once again been swept into controversy. Photo/Miss Pacific Islands Pageant

Many are again urging the Tongan government to consider withdrawing from future participation unless the pageant delivers credible, transparent change.

The current backlash does not exist in a vacuum.

Just a year ago, allegations surfaced that Samoan lawyer Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt—then the head judge for the 2025 pageant—had interfered with the final results, awarding the crown to Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia‑Allan, instead of awarding it to Miss Tonga, Racheal Guttenbeil, whom critics argued was the rightful winner.

The claims were serious enough to prompt a police investigation in the Solomon Islands and travel restrictions on Brunt. Authorities there stopped him at the border and questioned him over suspected “fraudulent activities.”

He denied any wrongdoing and was later allowed to leave, but the episode cast a long shadow over the competition and eroded public trust—especially in Tonga.

Tonga’s dilemma: participate or protest?

In the wake of that scandal, Tongan fans called on the government to step back from the pageant. Yet Tonga still sent Miss Heilala, Siosi‘ana Patricia Lavulo Taumoepeau, to compete in Fiji this year.

Some supporters responded with a targeted protest: boycotting the popular online vote.

That threat appears to have materialised. Tonga lost the online voting title—previously held by Miss Guttenbeil—to Miss Papua New Guinea this year, a visible signal of grassroots frustration.

With the 2025 dispute unresolved, the Solomon Islands withdrew from this year’s competition in Fiji, citing concern over the lack of progress in addressing the controversy.

For many Tongan observers, that decision echoed the very trust issues they have been raising for months.

Vow to reform

Media reports during the MPIP contest in Fiji stated that the regional pageant had pledged to reform its judging process, although no details were provided about what those reforms would involve.

During one of the events, some Tongan observers noticed a heavily stapled envelope—apparently containing the scorecards—being presented on stage.

They joked that perhaps this was the “reform,” a tongue‑in‑cheek reference to the 2025 controversy, when it was alleged that the envelope containing the judges’ scores had been opened before reaching the MCs who were meant to announce the winners.

2026 result lights the fuse

Despite the reform promise, this year’s final result only sharpened the debate. Fiji’s Ailava Samuels was crowned Miss Pacific Islands, with Papua New Guinea’s Iampela Popena and Samoa’s Iliganoa Feagaimali‘i Soti named first and second runner‑up respectively. Miss Tonga became the third runner-up.

Within minutes, viewers across the region erupted online questioning whether the heavy presence of Fiji-affiliated judges gave the host nation an unfair advantage.

From Papua New Guinea, Anna Bais of the Miss PNG team said she was disappointed with the outcome and called on organisers to release the judges’ scorecards, as reported by ABC News.

Critics across the region described the situation as “a bad look for the Pacific,” and renewed calls for stronger oversight and transparency.

What Tonga wants—before next time

For Tongan supporters, the question is no longer who wins a crown, but whether the crown still carries credibility. If the pageant is to regain Tonga’s trust, several concrete steps are expected:

  • Publish full scorecards for all rounds, with judge names anonymised but affiliations declared.
  • Independent audit of scoring and tabulation, with a public summary report.
  • Conflict‑of‑interest rules that clearly govern judge selection, host‑nation affiliations, and backstage access.
  • Balanced judging panels with regional representation that avoids host‑nation dominance.
  • Appeals and review mechanism for contestants and national committees, with clear timelines.
  • A reform timeline published before the next pageant cycle, including who is accountable for delivery.

Until such measures are in place—and demonstrably enforced—Tongan supporters will continue to question the integrity of the competition and the wisdom of remaining involved.

For a pageant meant to celebrate Pacific unity, credibility is the true crown.

Cocaine detections surge in workplace drug tests across New Zealand

By
Kaniva Staff
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New workplace drug‑testing data shows a sharp rise in cocaine detections across the country, signalling what experts say is a concerning shift in New Zealand’s drug‑use landscape.

The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) has released its results for the three months to December, revealing that cocaine appeared in 3.7 percent of all positive tests — more than double the rate recorded in the previous quarter.

TDDA identified Bay of Plenty, Auckland West, and Waikato as the regions showing the steepest increases.

Under New Zealand employment law, employers are allowed to carry out random drug testing, but only in specific circumstances. Random testing typically applies to safety‑sensitive roles — such as transport, construction, forestry, logistics and manufacturing — where impairment could pose serious risks.

It must also be explicitly stated in the employee’s contract or in the company’s formal drug and alcohol policy. Without this, employers risk breaching privacy rights or opening themselves to legal challenges over unjustified testing.

Chief Executive Glenn Dobson told broadcaster Mike Hosking of Newstalk ZB that the upward trend is worrying, especially alongside New Zealand’s already well‑established methamphetamine problem.

“New Zealand already has a strong use base of methamphetamine, and now we’re starting to see a real increase in cocaine usage, which is a real concern for us,” Dobson said.

Industry experts say the rise may reflect changing drug supply lines, increased workplace testing, or shifting social patterns — but all agree the new data points to a growing presence of cocaine in New Zealand communities.

TDDA conducts tens of thousands of workplace drug tests annually across sectors including transport, construction, manufacturing and logistics.

The latest figures suggest employers may need to prepare for a wider range of substances appearing among staff.

The agency is expected to release a full breakdown of its annual statistics later this year.

Further Mapelu meth arrest as Police vehicle collides in Halaloto pursuit

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Police have arrested two men following a drug‑related incident in the Halaloto area on 17 February 2026, after officers received information concerning the alleged sale of methamphetamine in the community.

Police identified the suspects as a 38‑year‑old man from Mapelu and a 31‑year‑old man from Fatai.

According to police, officers promptly located the suspects’ vehicle in the Lomaviti area.

When signalled to stop, the driver failed to comply and attempted to evade police, resulting in a collision with a police vehicle. A brief foot pursuit ensued before both individuals were apprehended.

Drug utensils and cash believed to be proceeds of illicit drug sales were seized at the scene. Both suspects have been charged, and investigations are ongoing.

Previous Arrest in Mapelu

Last month, a 29‑year‑old man from Mapelu was also arrested after officers found methamphetamine, drug utensils and Tongan paʻanga in his possession.

He was charged with possession of illicit drugs and drug utensils and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

The series of arrests reflects ongoing police operations targeting methamphetamine distribution in the area.

Tonga Police reaffirmed their commitment to reducing drug harm and safeguarding communities, and continue to urge the public to report any information relating to drug‑related activity.

For further media inquiries, contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office on 740‑1613.

RNZN rescues two men adrift nearly 200km off Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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A coordinated Royal New Zealand Navy and Air Force operation has successfully rescued two men found drifting in an 11.5-metre wooden vessel nearly 200 kilometres off Tonga’s coast.

The crew of the Mysterious Wonder wave as the P-3 Orion. (Source: Supplied)

The pair, travelling aboard the boat Mysterious Wonder, left Tongatapu on February 8 and were reported missing earlier this week.

Their disappearance triggered an urgent search led by New Zealand authorities.

Search Aircraft Diverted Mid-Mission

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion, originally tasked with a maritime surveillance flight targeting illegal fishing activity, was redirected on Tuesday by Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre to begin searching for the missing vessel.

The Orion crew flew to Fiji to establish an overnight base, beginning their search at first light yesterday. At 10.15am, they located Mysterious Wonder drifting approximately 105 nautical miles south of Tonga.

A photo taken from the aircraft showed the two men standing on the cabin roof, waving a flag to signal their position.

HMNZS Canterbury Turns Around to Assist

HMNZS Canterbury, which had been returning from Tokelau where Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro marked a century of New Zealand’s administration of the territory, immediately changed course after receiving the distress call.

The Navy ship had been en route toward the Kermadec Islands but diverted to rendezvous with the drifting boat. A seaboat was launched to retrieve the two men, who were safely brought aboard Canterbury.

They were later airlifted back to Tonga on an NH90 helicopter.

Rescue Praised as Model Joint Operation

Commander Wayne Andrew, Canterbury’s Commanding Officer, praised the efficiency and coordination shown by all Defence Force personnel involved.

“This was an excellent combined effort to locate and rescue the crew members,” he said.
“The P-8A crew did a fantastic job locating the vessel in a large search area. We were fortunate to be in a position to assist the two men.”

Following the rescue operation, Canterbury resumed its planned mission to Raoul Island, where Navy personnel will support MetService and Earth Sciences New Zealand in upgrading critical weather, tsunami and volcanic monitoring systems.

Former Minister Vātau Hui reportedly sent to Hu‘atolitoli prison

By
Kalino Latu
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Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament Vātau Hui has reportedly been sent to Hu‘atolitoli prison, according to a broadcast this afternoon by Letiō ‘a e Kakai FM 88.1.

Former MP Vātau Hui

Reporter Tapinga Lavemaau of the radio station reported that Hui was found guilty in the Supreme Court of Tonga, after being charged under sections 124 and 112 of the Criminal Offences Act.

He said the hearing took place in October 2025, and the case was registered as CR223/2024.

Under the Tongan Criminal Offences Act, section 124 covers indecent assault, while section 112 addresses common assault. Section 124(3)(a) states that a person found guilty of indecent assault “is punishable by a term of imprisonment for any period not exceeding five years.”

The station did not release any further details about the alleged detention.

The report comes months after Kaniva News revealed in 2024 that police had charged Hui in relation to allegations made by a woman from Ha‘ateiho, who accused him of indecent conduct and harassment.

At the time, Hui strongly denied the accusations in later comments to Kaniva News, calling them fabricated and saying he intended to file a counter‑complaint against the woman.

Hui was ousted in last year’s general election by Lata‘ifaingata‘a Tangimana, who now serves as Minister of Finance.

Kaniva News was unable to reach the relevant authorities for comment.

Pita Lolohea sentenced for break‑in and theft at Ministry of Internal Affairs

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku’alofa — The Supreme Court of Tonga has sentenced Pita Lolohea to a term of imprisonment for breaking into the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stealing electronic equipment and damaging government property during an incident in March 2025.

Lolohea pleaded guilty in November last year to serious housebreaking, theft and serious wilful damage.

The court heard that on 23 March 2025 he unlawfully entered the Ministry’s Kolofo’ou offices, where he stole a camera, two Apple tablets and four Samsung tablets worth a total of $14,756.

He also damaged six interior doors valued at $2,610. Police later recovered all the stolen items after executing a search warrant at his residence in Popua.

The Crown submitted sentencing recommendations that included a partially suspended imprisonment term, noting Lolohea’s early guilty plea and cooperation after arrest. Prosecutors also cited several previous decisions to guide the court’s consideration.

A presentence report from the Probation Office assessed Lolohea as a high risk to the community and recommended imprisonment. The report detailed his personal circumstances, including family responsibilities and the breakdown of his relationships following his remand in custody.

In sentencing, Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC emphasised the seriousness of breaking into and damaging a government building. He said the court had a duty not only to rehabilitate but also to deter others from similar offending.

However, he acknowledged Lolohea’s remorse, early plea and his cooperation with police. A letter from the Police Chaplain describing Lolohea’s character also influenced the court’s decision to consider partial suspension.

For serious housebreaking, the court imposed a sentence of three years’ imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended for two years on conditions that include probation supervision, compliance with directions on residence, completion of an Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Course and reporting to Probation upon release.

For theft, Lolohea was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment to be served concurrently. For wilful damage, he was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service within the suspension period.

The court clarified that Lolohea will serve a total of 18 months in prison, followed by a 12‑month suspended period, with the sentence backdated to reflect the time he has already spent in custody.

Tongan man in Australia accused of fatal stabbing during ‘random’ street attack

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan man living in Australia has been charged with murder after an alleged random stabbing attack in Sydney’s west that left one man dead and two others critically injured.

Leaaetoa being arrested by police.

New South Wales Police identified the accused as Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa, 25, who is believed to have been experiencing mental health issues prior to the incident.

The attack unfolded just after 10am on Tuesday along a busy street in Merrylands, a suburb known for its large migrant communities. According to police, Leaaetoa allegedly stabbed three people in what authorities described as a sudden and unprovoked assault.

The victim who died at the scene has been named as Amammuddin Sadar, 38. Emergency responders attempted to revive him, but he succumbed to his injuries before he could be taken to hospital.

Two other victims — Ambika Sharma, 47, and Emre Sen, 21 — were rushed to Westmead Hospital with critical injuries. Police said on Wednesday that both remained in a critical but stable condition.

Police allege Leaaetoa fled on foot after the attack but was arrested shortly afterwards. Detectives later charged him with murder and two counts of causing wounding/grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.

Leaaetoa did not appear in Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday when the case was briefly mentioned. No bail application was made on his behalf, and bail was formally refused.

He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on March 4.

Authorities have not yet disclosed what may have triggered the attack, but early indications suggest mental health may have played a role. NSW Police say investigations are ongoing, including inquiries into the accused’s background and possible motives.

Kaniva Tonga News will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.

Brother of All Blacks great Jonah Lomu admits drug charges

By
Kaniva Staff
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Auckland, NZ – The younger brother of All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu has pleaded guilty to drug‑related charges, bringing a halt to a trial that had been scheduled to begin this week at the Manukau District Court.

Manukau District Court. Photo/Kalino Lātū

John Makatoa Lomu, 49, entered the guilty plea alongside co‑accused Silila Vaivai, 37. The pair had originally faced charges of importing and possessing methamphetamine following a police investigation that ran between August and September 2023.

On Monday, Lomu admitted to possessing an unknown quantity of a controlled drug, while Vaivai pleaded guilty to importing an unknown amount of a controlled drug. Both men were remanded on bail and are expected to return to court for sentencing later this year.

Police first charged the pair in May 2024 after the months‑long inquiry uncovered their alleged involvement in drug‑related offending.

John and his famous brother Jonah grew up in Manukau, where they played junior rugby league together. In a 2019 interview with Niu FM, John recalled the close bond he shared with Jonah, including the time the All Blacks winger bought him his first car while he was still a student.

Jonah Lomu, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to wear the black jersey, died in November 2015 at the age of 40 following long‑term kidney complications. Between 1994 and 2002, he played 63 tests for the All Blacks, scoring 37 tries and redefining wing play with his unmatched combination of size, power and pace.

One of his most memorable moments came during the 1995 Rugby World Cup semifinal in South Africa, where he famously steamrolled England fullback Mike Catt — a moment still celebrated as one of rugby’s most iconic tries.

The court will set a sentencing date for John Lomu and Silila Vaivai later in the year, as the case continues to attract public interest due to its connection to one of New Zealand’s most beloved sporting families.

Dame Valerie Adams honoured with induction into New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame

By
Kaniva Staff
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Dame Valerie Adams has expressed her deep gratitude after being inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, marking another milestone in the career of one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated athletes.

The honour was announced during the 2026 Halberg Awards, where Adams was named among this year’s inductees alongside former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

In a message shared on social media, Adams said the recognition was “an incredible honour,” reflecting on the transformative role athletics has played in her life.

“From a young age, athletics changed my life and gave me opportunities to build a platform to inspire and uplift others, especially within our Pacific communities and in my homeland of Tonga,” she wrote.

Dame Valerie Adams was inducted into the NZ Sports Hall of Fame at the Halberg Awards.
Photo/Facebook

Adams, a two‑time Olympic gold medallist and four‑time world champion, said representing New Zealand carried immense meaning throughout her career.

“Wearing the black singlet filled me with immense pride, purpose, and responsibility — I gave everything I had each time I stepped into the circle.”

She added that she hopes her journey motivates young athletes to persevere through challenges: “I hope my journey encourages young athletes to dream big, embrace setbacks, and believe that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

Her induction comes on a night that highlighted the achievements of Pasifika athletes, reinforcing the growing impact Pacific communities continue to make across New Zealand’s sporting landscape.

The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, currently undergoing redevelopment ahead of its move to Cambridge later in 2026, described Adams’ inclusion as part of a new era celebrating the nation’s greatest sporting contributors.

With a career spanning more than two decades — including a nine‑year undefeated streak and dominance across Olympic, World Championship, and Commonwealth levels — Dame Valerie Adams remains one of the most influential figures in New Zealand sport, and a proud beacon of inspiration for Pasifika communities worldwide.

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