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Tilila Siola’a, charged in US ponzi case, now promoting BG Wealth Sharing ‘scam’

By
Kalino Latu
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After being charged during a period when Ponzi schemes plunged the Tongan community into financial turmoil, Tilila Siola’a Walker has resurfaced online promoting another money-making scheme.

Tilila Siola’a Walker, who faces fraud‑related charges in the United States, has re‑emerged online promoting a new scheme. Photo/Screenshot

The 63-year-old who was charged in 2023 with wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud and the sale of unregistered securities, has begun circulating promotional material for the so‑called “BG Wealth Sharing” programme.

Walker’s U.S. case remains before the courts, with no public record indicating a conviction to date.

Regulators Raise Alarm

In a recent joint statement, financial regulators in Tonga and New Zealand formally labelled BG Wealth/DSJ EX as a scam.

The authorities said the operation — currently promoted under the names BG Wealth and DSJ EX — is connected to a wider Ponzi‑style network known as TXEX, which relies on multi‑level marketing‑type recruitment tactics.

The regulators noted that the Financial Markets Authority has now identified 813 websites and 30 associated entities connected to the scheme, many of which were found to be duplicates used to attract new investors.

March Launch Announced

In a Facebook post last week, Walker told her followers that beginning in March 2026, her Facebook group “Global” would provide guidance on how to use the BG Wealth Sharing scheme, saying the platform would teach members how to participate.

In a separate post, Walker claimed the number of people expected to join her in the new scheme would be far greater than those involved in Stockton in the last five years, referring to her former Stockton office, where she previously recruited about 1,000 people who prosecutors say became victims of her Tongi Tupe operation.

Walker posted step‑by‑step instructions on how to join the scheme and urged her followers to sign up, describing it as an opportunity for quick financial returns.

Her posts have raised fresh concerns among community members, given the serious charges she continues to face overseas and the growing number of online scams targeting Pacific communities.

Tongi Tupe Promises

According to information filed in a U.S. federal court, prosecutors allege that between January and October 2021, Tilila Siola’a Walker—also known as Walker Sumchai—ran an investment scheme from an office in Stockton, California, targeting members of the Tongan community in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Authorities say she told potential investors that she had access to a special algorithm capable of generating fast, substantial profits. Investors were reportedly encouraged to put money into what she called the “Tongi Tupe” investment programme, with promises that their principal would be returned along with thousands of dollars in profit within a short period.

Prosecutors also allege that Walker claimed that a US$30,000 contribution would qualify an investor for a house in Lodi valued at about US$480,000 within just a few months. Instead of investing the funds as promised, investigators say she used the money for personal spending, including gambling, and used some of the incoming funds to pay earlier investors in an apparent attempt to keep the scheme afloat.

Court documents state that more than 1,000 people handed over a total of more than US$13 million as part of the alleged operation.

Federal Warnings Issued

Authorities in the United States have also issued multiple warnings about the BG Wealth Sharing scheme, with complaints and investigations reported across several states.

Regulators in California have linked the operation to the Rancho Cordova area, while Washington State’s Department of Financial Institutions has received complaints about scammers impersonating legitimate financial firms.

The FBI has opened related cryptocurrency‑fraud investigations in Arizona and Idaho and has taken federal action to seize funds tied to these schemes.

The scam typically operates through WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber groups, using forged U.S. incorporation documents and fake SEC credentials to pose as investment mentors.

Investigators describe it as a Ponzi‑style “pig‑butchering” operation that initially allows small withdrawals before blocking investor accounts and demanding extra payments.

Regulators continue to urge the public to exercise extreme caution, warning that schemes such as BG Wealth Sharing often rebrand and resurface through familiar figures despite repeated enforcement actions.

Tonga’s Siosi‘ana Taumoepeau secures third runner‑up title in Miss Pacific Islands contest

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s representative, Siosi‘ana Patricia Lavulo Taumoepeau, delivered a standout performance at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, securing the Third Runner‑Up title in a highly competitive field of regional contestants.

Miss Siosi’ana Patricia Lavulo Taumoepeau. Photo/Miss Pacific Islands Pageant

Taumoepeau, who also holds the Miss Heilala 2026 crown, added further accolades to her pageant journey by winning Best Sarong and the Miss Tourism award — recognitions that drew strong applause from the audience and support from Tongan fans across the region.

The prestigious title of Miss Pacific Islands 2026 went to 19‑year‑old Miss Fiji, Ailava Samuel, who becomes the fourth Fijian woman to win the regional crown, following Anne Dunn’s victory in 2016.

Her win was celebrated widely among Fijian supporters both at the venue and online.

Miss Papua New Guinea, Iampela Popena, was named First Runner‑Up. She also collected two major awards: Best Traditional Wear and Miss Internet, reflecting both her cultural presentation and strong online support.

Miss Samoa, Iliganoa Feagaimali‘i Soti, secured the Second Runner‑Up position with a confident performance across the judged categories, while Miss Cook Islands, Petra Mataiti, placed Fourth Runner‑Up and walked away with Best Talent and Miss Photogenic.

Meanwhile, Kiribati’s Atiterentaai Rinimarawa took home the Miss Personality award, receiving warm recognition for her charisma and rapport throughout the pageant week.

The results mark another successful year for the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, showcasing the region’s culture, talent, and growing pool of young female leaders.

Man found dead after vehicle submerged in Waikato floodwaters

By
Kaniva Staff
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By 1news.co.nz and is republished with permission

A man was found dead in his vehicle after it was submerged by floodwaters as the Waikato region was lashed by rain overnight.

Damage to a bridge on State Highway 39. (Source: Wayne Feisst)

A member of the public called emergency services, alerting them to the submerged car on State Highway 39 near the intersection with Kiwi Road at Puketotara at around 9.15pm on Friday.

“Sadly, one person was located deceased inside the vehicle,” police said.

SH 39 remains closed, and anyone travelling to Waikato was urged to take care and not cross flooded roads.

The vehicle was found south of Ōtorohanga, which is under a state of emergency after being lashed by heavy rain.

Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow acknowledged the “tragic loss of life” within the district last night.

“This is devastating news for our community. Right now, our focus is on supporting those affected by the widespread flooding, as well as emergency workers and support agencies who are also helping,” he said.

“To the whānau, we extend aroha, love and heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time.”

It comes as a tropical low hits much of the north and east of the North Island.

Orange heavy rain warnings were in place for the Bay of Plenty, east of Ōpōtiki, and Gisborne.

Heavy rain watches were in place for Waikato south of Hamilton, Waitomo, and Hawke’s Bay. A severe thunderstorm watch was in place for Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne.

Dozens of roads have been closed due to storm damage and floods.

Viral Tongan mother–daughter Miss Heilala moment as Miss Pacific finale nears

By
Kalino Latu
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As the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant moves closer to announcing the 2026 winner, supporters from across the Pacific have intensified their online promotion, doing everything they can to back their contestants.

Seven contestants are vying for the crown this year, representing the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga.

One of the ways Tongan supporters are showing their backing for Miss Siosiana is by sharing photos of her with her mother, Anita Roberts, who held the Miss Heilala title in 1997.

“Did you know our beautiful Miss Heilala 2025–2026, Siosiana Patricia Lavulo Taumoepeau, is the daughter of Anita Roberts, who was crowned Miss Heilala in 1997?” one Facebook post stated.

“Beautiful Miss Heilala 1997, Anita Roberts, mother of our reigning Miss Heilala 2025, is truly stunning,” one responder wrote.

Based on the main activities tracked during the competition so far, Miss Papua New Guinea Iampela Popena currently leads the popular vote by a wide margin, securing around 70,000 votes. She is followed by Miss Taumoepeau, who has garnered approximately 40,000 votes.

The popular vote, cast online by members of the public, does not count toward the official judging score for the crown.

Miss Tonga 2025, Rachael Guttenbeil, won the Miss Popularity award last year, prompting many to question why Tongan votes have dropped so sharply this time.

As Kaniva News previously reported, Tongan supporters made it clear from the outset that they would withhold their votes this year in protest, after the pageant committee failed to resolve allegations that last year’s results were rigged.

According to reports, supporters have alleged that Miss Guttenbeil should have won the 2025 beauty contest, claiming the pageant’s chief judge, Mr Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, tampered with the scorecards to award the crown to the Samoa contestant, Litara ieremia allan.

Organisers of the Pacific Islands Pageant reportedly said they have overhauled their judging system after last year’s rigging allegations, unveiling stricter scoring checks and independent oversight.

Woman jailed after dead people’s names used in Covid subsidy fraud

By
Kaniva Staff
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By 1News Reporters

  • A Wellington woman has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after she used her own name and those of 10 others, including dead people, to fraudulently obtain $28,118 through the Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme.

Sariah Wehipeihana pleaded guilty in January last year to two representative charges of dishonestly using a document related to five successful wage subsidy applications and a further 27 unsuccessful applications.

She was sentenced at Auckland District Court on February 5.

All the applications were submitted between April and June 2020.

She used her own name and the names of 10 others in the applications.

This included individuals unaware their identifies were being used, and in some cases, the names of dead people.

The successful applications resulted in a total of $28,118.40 being paid into bank accounts controlled by Wehipeihana, with the funds then used for personal expenses, including shopping and online gambling.

A reparation order was sought, but no repayments had been made to date.

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) said 56 people had now been sentenced in wage subsidy fraud cases, with another 48 still before the courts. More than $830 million in wage subsidies had been repaid since the scheme began.

Kaniva News issues apology after breaching court order in Taumoepenu case

By
Kalino Latu
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Kaniva News has issued a formal apology after the Supreme Court of Tonga found the outlet had breached a non‑publication order by identifying the complainant in the sentencing of Viliami Taumoepenu.

The Court notified the publisher that naming the complainant violated a suppression order made under section 119 of the Criminal Offences Act, which prohibits the publication of any information that may reveal the identity of a complainant in offences of a sexual or indecent nature.

The breach appeared in a news article reporting on Taumoepenu’s conviction and sentence.

In response, Kaniva News said the breach was inadvertent and occurred during the editorial process after the judgment was uploaded for reporting.

The publication removed the identifying information immediately after being notified by the Court.

“Kaniva News apologises unreservedly to the complainant for the inadvertent breach of the Court’s order,” the publication said.

“We take the Court’s directive seriously and have now corrected the article to ensure full compliance with the law.

We are reviewing our editorial procedures to prevent any recurrence.”

The Supreme Court has issued a first warning to Kaniva News, stating that any future breach will be dealt with “in a severe manner.”

Kaniva News says it remains committed to responsible reporting and ensuring that all court‑ordered publication restrictions are strictly followed in future articles.

Heavy rain hits New Zealand’s north island as warnings intensify

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Auckland, NZ – Heavy rain warnings and watches are in place across much of the North Island, with downpours expected to continue into Saturday morning.

Authorities are urging residents and travellers to stay alert as conditions worsen, especially in regions already affected by earlier rainfall.

Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. Additional warnings are in place for Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki and parts of Tairāwhiti on Friday night, with forecasters expecting periods of intense and persistent rain.

A heavy rain watch is covering large parts of the North Island, including Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Waikato, Waitomo, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū, and the Tararua District.

MetService says these areas could see heavy rainfall at times, increasing the risk of surface flooding, rising rivers and hazardous driving conditions.

Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the East Coast in preparation for potential emergencies, including slips, road blockages and communities becoming temporarily isolated. RNZ, New Zealand’s statutory civil defence lifeline broadcaster, will continue to provide up‑to‑date information as the situation develops.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is also warning the public to take extreme care if planning outdoor activities.

Acting Operations Manager for Hawke’s Bay, Kahori Nakagawa, said visitors should check DOC alerts before leaving home and avoid tracks, huts and campsites in areas prone to slips or flooding.

“MetService is forecasting intense rainfall over the weekend, which could affect tracks, campsites, and access roads,” Nakagawa said. “We’re asking people to think carefully before heading out, and to be prepared to change their plans if needed.

The last thing we want is people getting hurt or stuck.”

DOC staff will assess huts, tracks and campsites once the worst of the weather has passed before deciding when they can safely reopen.

Nakagawa said safety must remain the priority. “Naturing is about connecting with the outdoors, but that connection also means respecting nature’s power and knowing when to pause or change plans.”

Travellers are being urged to check the DOC website for alerts, as well as Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and local council websites for road closures, slip warnings, flood updates and any water restrictions.

MetService expects heavy rain to continue through Friday night and into early Saturday, particularly in eastern and northern regions. Some areas may also experience isolated thunderstorms, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

Authorities are advising residents to secure outdoor items, avoid driving through floodwaters, keep devices charged in case of power outages, and check on vulnerable neighbours as the weather system moves through.

Tongan hohoko identity shines as George Hōlani triumphs in Super Bowl

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tongan community erupted with pride across social media this week as Auckland‑born George Hōlani became the first Tongan to feature prominently in a Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl victory.

Auckland‑born George Hōlani, whose Tongan heritage has sparked widespread hohoko celebrations, moments after the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win.

The Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29–13 in Super Bowl LX, securing the franchise’s second championship title, with Hōlani contributing in the offensive rotation.

The Super Bowl is one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, drawing over 100 million viewers annually and attracting audiences far beyond the United States.

Its combination of high‑stakes competition, global broadcast reach, and major entertainment elements has elevated it into a cultural spectacle that resonates internationally.

But for Tongans worldwide, George’s win meant far more than a sporting milestone — it activated one of the deepest cultural markers of identity: hohoko, the connecting, mapping and celebration of genealogical ties that define who one is, who one belongs to, and how one’s achievements elevate the collective.

It became a moment of cultural revitalisation, strengthening existing family ties while helping many rediscover or learn their connections anew.

This is why George’s victory resonated so deeply: Tongans were not simply celebrating an athlete, but tracing the ancestral lines that connect his achievement to the broader kāinga.

One exchange illustrated this perfectly. Australia‑based Tongan broadcaster Lavinia‑Naufahu Tunitau responded to a Facebook comment from Caroline T. Fusimālohi, after Fusimālohi initiated George’s hohoko lineage by naming his grandparents Seleti and ‘Ahononou Hōlani:

“Caroline T. Fusimalohi wow! Thank you for letting me know. I know ‘Ahononou was married to Seleti Holani — have I got his name right? Toni Kaihau’s cousin. Pea ko si’ono mokopuna eni (and this is his grandson)… another grandpa namesake. Awww… so proud of him,” Tunitau wrote.

Caroline T. Fusimalohi replied:

“Lavinia Naufahu‑Tunitau, you have elephant memory. ‘Io koe grandson ‘o Seleti Holani mo ‘Ahononou.” In English, Fusimālohi was confirming Tunitau’s comment, agreeing that George is the grandson of Seleti and Ahononou.

Other posts recalled memories from friends in New Zealand who knew George’s parents before the family relocated to the United States.

The Lomu–Hōlani hohoko

New reporting from the New Zealand Herald amplified the significance of the community’s genealogical celebration.

The Herald noted that George, who was born in Auckland before moving to the United States at age three, has become only the second New Zealand‑born player — after Riki Ellison — to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

He spent his early years in Onehunga with his Tongan parents Saia and Atelaite, growing up in a tightly knit Polynesian family that shaped the humility and resilience he carries today.

Just as Tongans were tracing their genealogical links to celebrate him, the Herald revealed that George himself belongs to an extraordinary lineage: his father, Saia, and All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu were cousins, both raised in the village of Holopeka in Tonga’s Ha‘apai group.

Hōlani is a large family clan originating from the suburb of Kolomotu‘a in the Nuku‘alofa district.

George was not only representing Tonga on the world stage — he was continuing a family legacy of global sporting excellence, the kind that Tongans instinctively celebrate through hohoko.

Man jailed 13 years after US-linked meth operation exposed during sugar sack drug bust

By
Kalino Latu
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The Supreme Court of Tonga has sentenced Rodney ‘Ofa ki Tafuna Tomasi to 13 years in prison for possession of more than 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, following a contested trial in which he maintained his innocence.

Tomasi was found guilty of possessing 3,547.86 grams of methamphetamine, an amount the court noted as significant and consistent with large‑scale drug dealing.

The judge said evidence presented at trial showed Tomasi had been in contact with a drug supplier in the United States, identified as Ika ‘Ofa, and was involved in coordinating the movement of the drugs inside Tonga.

He also communicated with a local informant and used a vehicle to collect the consignment, which was concealed in a sack of sugar.

In passing sentence, the Chief Justice said methamphetamine continued to cause severe harm across Tongan communities and posed what he described as an “existential threat” to the social fabric of the country.

He said courts had a duty to impose penalties that would deter others from engaging in the trade.

The court adopted a starting point of 15 years’ imprisonment, based on sentencing bands applied in previous drug cases and the substantial quantity involved.

A two‑year deduction was granted because Tomasi was considered a first‑time drug offender, despite having older convictions from more than a decade ago.

This resulted in a final term of 13 years, with the last two years suspended for a period of three years. Tomasi will therefore serve 11 years before the suspended portion begins. The sentence was backdated to 14 November 2025.

Although several letters of support were submitted by Tomasi’s family, village officer, and parish priest, the court found that the seriousness of the offending outweighed the mitigating material.

However, prospects for rehabilitation were acknowledged in the presentence report, leading to the partial suspension.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered the forfeiture of assets used in the commission of the offence.

These included Tomasi’s white Mazda vehicle, which was driven during the drug pickup and used to evade police, and cash totalling $21,150 discovered hidden in his home during the search.

Two mobile phones — a green Samsung device linked to communications with the US‑based supplier and a black and silver Oppo phone used to contact the informant and Tomasi’s wife — were also seized. The illicit drugs were ordered to be destroyed immediately by incineration.

The judge imposed conditions on the suspended sentence, including that Tomasi must not commit any imprisonable offence, must live at an address approved by the Probation Office, must remain under probation supervision during the suspension period, and must report to the office within 48 hours of his eventual release.

Soldier accused of punching police officer during disorder on Taufa‘ahau Road

By
Kaniva Staff
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A 26‑year‑old man from Afā is in police custody after allegedly assaulting a police officer and obstructing officers who were trying to carry out their duties during an incident in Nuku‘alofa last Friday night.

AI‑generated illustration, for illustrative purposes only.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Halatoa Taufa told Radio Tonga News that the incident happened outside Ciora on Taufa‘ahau Road, where police had been called to break up a fight.

He said officers believed alcohol played a major role in the confrontation, and confirmed the accused is a member of His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

A video circulating on social media shows a police officer restraining a man on the ground while waiting for backup.

As the officer attempted to hold control of the situation, another man — now the accused — allegedly approached from behind and punched the officer.

Taufa said assaulting or obstructing a police officer performing his duties is a serious criminal offence in Tonga.

He said the man is also facing additional charges, including being drunk in a public place, consuming alcohol in a public area and using offensive language.

Because the incident occurred while officers were working to restore public safety, Taufa urged the public to cooperate with police and support efforts to keep communities safe and peaceful.

The accused remains in custody and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Police investigations into the incident are continuing.

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