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Tonga issues urgent alert amid escalating US–Israel military offensive on Iran

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga has issued a public alert urging all Tongan nationals living in or travelling through the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to exercise heightened caution, following the United States and Israel launching major, coordinated strikes across Iran on February 28 — a military operation described by President Donald Trump as “major combat operations,” targeting Iranian military and nuclear‑linked sites and prompting widespread regional retaliation.

President Donald Trump announced that the United States had initiated what he called “major combat operations” in Iran, urging the Iranian public to rise up against their clerical leadership once the military campaign concludes.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the Israeli military had launched a “pre‑emptive attack” intended to neutralise threats emanating from Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the strikes as “wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate,” accusing both nations of violating international norms.

Tehran retaliated by firing missiles towards Israel and several Gulf states hosting American military bases — including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — escalating fears of a broader regional conflict.

Explosions were heard in the city of Haifa and elsewhere in Israel, but it was not currently clear if these were impacts or interceptions.

The warning followed weeks of escalating threats from President Donald Trump, who had repeatedly signalled that the United States would take military action if Iran refused to agree to a new nuclear deal.

Early strikes by US and Israeli forces targeted the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — a long‑standing adversary of the West known for suppressing dissent and backing regional proxy groups.

A source indicated that Khamenei had been moved to a secure location outside Tehran before the attack, though his condition could not be independently confirmed. Satellite images, however, showed extensive damage to his headquarters in the capital.

Embassy Issues Alert

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga in Abu Dhabi has issued a public alert urging all Tongan nationals living in or travelling through the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to exercise heightened caution amid increasing regional tensions.

In a notice released on February 26, the Embassy warned that any escalation in the volatile geopolitical climate could disrupt travel and create unforeseen risks for Tongans currently in the region.

“Any escalation may result in travel disruptions and other unforeseen impacts for those currently in the region,” the notice stated.

The Embassy advised Tongan citizens to remain vigilant at all times, avoid unnecessary travel, and immediately register their name and contact details with the mission.

Registration will help the Embassy track and assist Tongans should the security situation deteriorate.

Tongans residing in the UAE or transiting through Middle Eastern countries were also encouraged to contact the Embassy directly for updates or urgent assistance.

The public advisory follows similar alerts issued by foreign missions in recent weeks as political and military tensions continue to rise across parts of the Middle East.

The Embassy provided official contact channels for all registrations and inquiries:

Email: diplomats@kotembassyuae.gov.to
Phone: +971 02 558 6664

FBI urges action as ‘Polygirl’ complaints rise; Tongi Tupe victim call still open

By
Kalino Latu
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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).

Victorine ‘Polygirl’ (left) and Tilila Walker appear in a composite image illustrating two separate alleged investment schemes affecting the Tongan diaspora, as the FBI urges potential victims to file reports through 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 the scheme she aggressively promoted on social media would deliver rapid, high‑yield returns. Some labelled her a “liar” (“loi”) and “mata fefeka” (hard‑faced), expressing frustration over failed 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:

  1. Contact local, state, or national law enforcement to report what happened.
  2. 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.

The FBI is urging anyone who believes they were victimised to complete its official questionnaire to support the ongoing federal investigation.

Walker 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.

Elderly Tongan tenant wins $5000 after Kāinga Ora failed to act on machete threats

By
Kaniva Staff
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Auckland, NZ – An elderly Tongan woman who says she lived in “constant fear” of her neighbours, including facing machete threats and an alleged attempt to run down her grandson, has been awarded $5000 after the Tenancy Tribunal found Kāinga Ora failed to protect her.

The woman, who has name suppression due to safety concerns, has lived at her Kāinga Ora home since 2019, the New Zealand Herald reported.

For years, she said, she endured escalating violence, harassment and intimidation from the family living next door at another Kāinga Ora property.

According to the Tribunal’s findings, the elderly woman and her family endured relentless intimidation from their neighbours, including racially‑charged abuse shouted over the fence and rubbish regularly thrown into their yard.

Loud music was blasted late into the night, rocks were hurled at the family, and they faced repeated threats of violence — several involving a machete.

Despite reporting the incidents numerous times, the woman said Kāinga Ora’s only advice was for her family to “keep to themselves” and avoid any engagement with the neighbours.

Machete threats and near‑miss with a vehicle

Police were called to three separate incidents involving the male partner of the neighbour, who lives at the property with the primary female tenant and their children.

In one incident in March 2024, the man stood at the elderly woman’s front gate holding a machete while shouting threats.

In the most serious situation, on 10 June 2024, the man allegedly threatened to kill the woman’s son while armed with both a shovel and a machete. He was later charged, though convicted of a lesser weapon‑related offence.

Another frightening moment occurred when the woman’s 14‑year‑old grandson was walking home from school. The neighbour allegedly chased the teenager with his car, driving onto the grass verge. The boy escaped only by hiding behind a parked boat.

The Tongan elder told the Tribunal the ongoing violence left her afraid to go outside. She suffered major health issues during this period, including a recent stroke.

At times, she was so fearful she stayed with her daughter instead of sleeping in her own home.

She initially hoped Kāinga Ora would remove the neighbours, but her declining health meant she eventually asked to leave the property altogether.

Kāinga Ora response criticised

Kāinga Ora acknowledged it had been notified about police call‑outs, noise problems and abuse.

However, it told the Tribunal the situation was “complex”, claiming there had been aggression “on both sides” after an altercation between the male neighbour and the Tongan woman’s son.

The agency also argued it could not terminate the neighbour’s tenancy because the man making the threats was not a listed tenant.

Tribunal adjudicator Melissa Allan was not satisfied with that explanation.

She ruled that Kāinga Ora should have applied to end the neighbours’ tenancy, saying the standard of proof required was civil, not criminal.

“The landlord only needed to prove that the tenant has been interfering with the reasonable peace, comfort and privacy of the neighbouring tenant,” she said.
“The tenant has not felt free to move about her property and has been subjected to unreasonable levels of noise, rubbish being thrown, screaming, yelling and threats.”

By failing to act, Allan found, Kāinga Ora breached its responsibilities as a landlord.

The Tribunal ordered Kāinga Ora to pay the Tongan grandmother $5000 in compensation. The agency is now working to transfer her to a home that better matches her health and safety needs.

For the woman and her family, the ruling marks a long‑awaited acknowledgement of years of fear.

Two alleged Tongan Crip Gang members indicted after deadly Salt Lake church shooting

By
Kaniva Staff
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Utah, US – Two men alleged to be members of the Tongan Crip Gang have been indicted on federal firearms charges following a mass shooting at a Latter‑day Saint meetinghouse in Salt Lake City, where two people were killed and several others injured.

Toutai’s phone also contained documentation of events hours before the shooting. Photos and videos reportedly showed him and Maka, who was holding a small black pistol consistent with the Ruger LC9.

Ryan Daniel Toutai, 32, known as “Lost One,” of Salt Lake City, and Fineeva Pomona Maka, 26, known as “Finloc,” of Millcreek, were both charged by a federal grand jury on Wednesday. Toutai faces one count of unlawful disposition of a firearm, while Maka is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The charges stem from the January 7 shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints meetinghouse in the Rose Park area. Police responding to multiple “shots fired” calls found several victims with gunshot wounds. Two men — Sione Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46 — died from their injuries. Six others were transported to hospital.

Officers recovered .40‑caliber casings, 9mm casings, and a Ruger 9mm semi‑automatic pistol at the scene.

Phone evidence links defendants to weapon

According to federal charging documents, both Toutai and Maka had previously been photographed holding the Ruger pistol that was recovered after the shooting. Police seized Toutai’s phone under a search warrant and found numerous photos and videos showing him handling the firearm weeks earlier. The serial number on the gun in the images matched the Ruger found at the scene.

Investigators also found documentation of events hours before the shooting. Screenshots showed Maka holding a small black pistol consistent with the Ruger LC9. Maka, a multi‑convicted felon on parole at the time, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. His GPS ankle monitor data placed him at locations consistent with the evidence.

Both defendants appeared in videos claiming affiliation with the Tongan Crip Gang alongside other alleged members, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.

Defence attorney: prosecution strengthened by digital evidence

Defense attorney Nathan Evershed, commenting generally on cases involving digital evidence, said phone records, videos, and photos significantly strengthen prosecutions.

“These are the kinds of cases that they love to initially enact because it can put someone behind bars for a very long time,” he said. “And there’s a possibility when someone’s behind bars for a very long time, other people are more comfortable with cooperation with the police.”

Evershed added that although the current federal charges are not homicide‑related, they can still give prosecutors leverage in complex investigations where witness cooperation is limited.

No homicide arrests yet

Although the firearms charges represent significant progress in the investigation, police have not yet arrested anyone for the two homicides that occurred during the shooting.

Toutai was previously arrested last month for obstruction of justice, allegedly hindering the homicide investigation. State and federal prosecutions are expected to proceed separately but may involve the same investigators.

The defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court on the new indictment next week.

Israel launches ‘pre‑emptive strike on Iran, says Defence Minister Katz

By
Kaniva Staff
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Israel has launched what it calls a “pre‑emptive” attack on Iran, with Defence Minister Israel Katz saying the operation was carried out to “remove threats to the State of Israel.”

The announcement came early Saturday as large explosions were reported in central Tehran and air‑raid sirens sounded across Israel.

Katz declared an immediate nationwide state of emergency, urging Israelis to remain close to protected areas amid fears of an imminent retaliatory strike from Iran.

“The State of Israel has launched a pre‑emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” he said in a statement released shortly after the explosions were reported.

Iranian state media confirmed that several blasts were heard in Tehran, with witnesses describing thick smoke rising above major districts of the capital.

The exact targets and the extent of the damage remain unclear, though Israeli officials have indicated the strike was launched in anticipation of what they described as an “immediate” missile and drone attack from Iran.

The attack marks a dramatic escalation in longstanding tensions between the two regional rivals, coming months after a series of cross‑border confrontations and amid renewed international disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Israeli authorities also closed national airspace as a precautionary measure, while the military issued what it called a “proactive alert” to prepare the public for potential incoming fire.

Reports from international media suggest the United States may also be participating in the operation, though Washington has yet to publicly confirm its involvement.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

BG scheme promoters defy ban and 2022 Supreme Court warning with new push into Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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Promoters of the outlawed BG Wealth Sharing scheme have announced they will hold a meeting in Tonga today to advance their investment operation, directly challenging not only the current ban but the Supreme Court’s 2022 warning that anyone involved in Ponzi‑style schemes will face harsh penalties.

Siani Kijlstra

Their move comes as financial authorities intensify their alerts, with the National Reserve Bank of Tonga issuing escalating warnings and urging the public to distance themselves immediately from the scheme before more people suffer serious financial harm.

It follows a joint warning issued by New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and its Tongan counterpart, which cautioned that the BG Wealth/DSJ EX scheme—linked to a wider network known as TXEX—relies on aggressive multi‑level recruitment tactics and is connected to 813 duplicate websites and 30 related entities.

Both regulators described the BG scheme as a “scam.”

A woman identified as Siani Kijlstra, also known as Siosiani Uata, went live on Facebook this morning, urgently announcing that a so‑called “leadership team” would be in Tonga today, Friday 27 February, to hold a session with people interested in the BG Wealth Sharing scheme at Haʻateiho.

Another post seen by Kaniva News indicated that the event was scheduled to take place at 7pm at the Tonga Tauʻataina Church hall.

In her livestream, Kijlstra said in Tongan: “Inivesi tuʻo taha fakatuputupu ki he pāʻangangalu,” claiming that a single investment would continue to grow “until the end of time.”

On her Facebook page, she heavily promotes the scheme and urges Tongans to join—behaviour consistent with the recruitment‑driven nature of Ponzi operations, which rely on new investor money to pay earlier participants like Siani.

Several promotional banners on her page also show that Zoom sessions are being run for both Tongan and Samoan audiences.

While the BG scheme has triggered warnings across Australia, California, Canada, the United Kingdom and several European countries, Tonga has already demonstrated that breaches of its bans can lead to prosecution.

As Kaniva News and other media reported in 2022, police officer Vaiola Tupa, 41, of Ngele‘ia, and ‘Anaseini Siulua Pongi, 36, of Te‘ekiu, were among those fined for promoting an illegal pyramid scheme.

The Nuku’alofa Supreme Court ordered them to pay $4,000 each or face imprisonment in default.

In its ruling, the court emphasised that the sentence should serve as a warning that pyramid and Ponzi networks are illegal in Tonga, and that anyone attempting to operate such schemes will face severe penalties.

Warnings From History

While promoters of the BG scheme remain vocal and aggressive in their marketing, critics argue the operation mirrors past scams such as Validus and Hyperfund, which collapsed about two years ago and left hundreds of thousands of investors — including many Tongans — unable to recover their money.

Those schemes also inspired locally developed Ponzi operations run by Tongans, including Tongitupe and the 6K Gifting Co‑operative (6K). Both schemes promised returns of up to $6,000.

Tongitupe founder Tilila Siolaʻa Walker is set to stand trial in the United States in March 2027, while her New Zealand‑based co‑founder, ‘Ofa Siasau, is facing a warrant of arrest for failing to repay $26,000 owed to a Tongitupe victim.

In early April 2025, Frances Saimone — identified as the overall leader and “banker” of the 6K Gifting Co‑operative — and promoter Patricia Pousini pleaded guilty in the Manukau District Court to charges of promoting a pyramid scheme.

Saimone was fined $33,306, while Pousini was fined $10,200.

Tropical depression upgraded to Cyclone Urmil as system tracks west of Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tonga Meteorological Service has confirmed that Tropical Depression TD09F has intensified into Tropical Cyclone Urmil, a Category 1 cyclone, as of Friday afternoon.

According to the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), the cyclone was centred near latitude 18.7 degrees south and longitude 168.1 degrees east, placing it approximately 1770km west of Nuku’alofa, 1850km west of Ha’apai, 1890km west of Vava’u, 1770km west–southwest of Niuafo’ou, and about 1950km west of Niua Toputapu.

The advisory was issued at 4pm today, with the next update scheduled for 4am Saturday 28 February 2026.

Cyclone moving slowly over Vanuatu

TC Urmil is currently tracking slowly westward over Vanuatu. Meteorologists say the cyclone’s maximum sustained winds near the centre are about 35–40 knots (70–80 km/h), consistent with a Category 1 rating under the Australian cyclone classification system.

Despite the upgrade, authorities say Tonga faces no immediate threat.

“On its current track, TC Urmil is moving slowly over Vanuatu. This system does not pose any threat to Tonga for the next 24–48 hours,” the advisory states.

No warnings for Tonga

As of this afternoon, no tropical cyclone warnings or alerts have been issued for any part of Tonga.

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the system closely, particularly its movement over the weekend.

A track map released by MEIDECC shows TC Urmil circulating west of Fiji and Vanuatu, far from Tonga’s island groups. The map confirms the cyclone’s projected path keeps it well removed from Tongan waters over the next two days.

While the cyclone does not currently threaten the kingdom, authorities recommend the public stay informed through official channels, particularly if weather patterns change.

The next official update is expected early Saturday morning.

Tongatapu man charged in connection with death of 85‑year‑old; drugs and firearms seized

By
Kaniva Staff
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A 35‑year‑old man from Ha‘asini is in police custody after being charged in connection with the death of an 85‑year‑old man reported in December last year.

Deputy Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea

Deputy Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea told Television Tonga that officers executed a search warrant at the accused’s residence, where they discovered cannabis and unlicensed ammunition.

These findings have resulted in additional charges relating to illegal drugs and firearms.

Police say the homicide investigation remains ongoing.

Police have released no further information about the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.

Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.

Edwin Fidel Che Liava‘a appointed new chief executive officer of Tonga Post Limited

By
Kaniva Staff
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Mr Edwin Fidel Che Liava‘a has been officially appointed by the Government of Tonga as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tonga Post Limited (TPost), taking up the role on 24 February 2026.

Edwin Liava’a

Mr Liava‘a steps into the role with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the Pacific Islands region.

His background includes delivering specialised GIS and ICT solutions, strengthening institutional capacity, and serving as a Technical Advisor on submarine cable and satellite communications.

His work has supported national connectivity, cybersecurity initiatives, and the development of open, sustainable digital technologies.

His experience also spans regional outreach and critical system‑development programs aimed at enhancing digital resilience and utility services.

Upon accepting the appointment, Mr. Liava‘a resigned from his previous role as Chairman of Tonga Cable Limited.

The Ministry noted that TPost remains committed to its mission of connecting communities, supporting businesses, and facilitating communication and commerce across the Kingdom.

In the statement, the Ministry extended its congratulations to Mr Liava‘a and conveyed its best wishes as he begins his four‑year term leading Tonga Post Limited.

Strong wind warning issued for Tongatapu and ‘Eua coastal waters

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tonga Meteorological Service has issued a Strong Wind Warning alongside a Small Craft Advisory for coastal waters aroundTongatapu and ‘Eua, with conditions expected to deteriorate overnight.

According to the 7pm bulletin, the warning now applies to Tongatapu and ‘Eua coastal zones, while it remains in force for the Tele ki Tonga and Tele ki Tokelau coastal waters.

The advisory indicates that winds in the affected areas may reach hazardous levels, posing risks to small vessels, coastal activities, and marine operators.

The public—especially fishermen, boat owners, and coastal residents—is urged to exercise caution, stay updated with official weather alerts, and avoid unnecessary sea travel until conditions improve.

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the system and provide further updates as needed.

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