Chinese businessman sentenced to 8 years for attempted murder

Police at the scene of the crime at Siusega, 24 January 2025.

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 4 July 2026 – A 46-year-old Chinese businessman, Tao Liu has been sentenced to serve 8 years in prison on the charges of attempted murder and discharging a firearm at a police officer.

He originally faced 12 charges including possession of an unlicensed firearm, attempted murder and discharging a firearm.

The incident happened on 24 January 2025, where police were called to a supermarket at Siusega where Liu barricaded himself and his ex-wife inside.

Police arrived and approached the shop, however, Liu discharged a firearm wounding a police officer.

The incident happened around mid-afternoon and a stand-off between police and the defendant was resolved three hours later after police called on the assistance of the Chinese Embassy and members of the Chinese community.

The Prosecution asked for 12 years as a starting point for sentence and the court sentenced him to 8 years behind bars.