Court issues Departure Prohibition Order on money laundering defendants

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 27 July 2026: Justice Leutele Mata Tuatagaloa today issued a Prohibition Departure Order (DPO) on Fred Oliver Papalii and James Atua who are jointly facing money laundering charges.

The DPO prohibits both defendants from leaving the country.

The order was issued after the prosecution withdrew their opposition to the bail application.

Counsel Afa Lesa who represented the prosecution today asked for a withdrawal, but Justice Tuatagaloa informed him that he can ask for a DBO.

Bail conditions for Fred include residing at Siumu and reporting to the Poutasi Police Outpost on Wednesdays and Fridays before 12.00pm.

For James, he is to reside at Faleasiu and report to the Afega Police Outpost also on Wednesdays and Fridays before 12.00pm.

Both defendants have been ordered to surrender travel documents, refrain from contact with any police witnesses and not to reoffend.

Prior to issuing the bail conditions, Justice Tuatagaloa questioned the absence of Paulo Paramore who represented the police in last Fridays’ bail hearing.

According to Justice Tuatagaloa, Paramore is the counsel on record and there were issues given to him to clarify and present before the court.

Lesa informed the court that Paramore was attending a training for all Government lawyers. But Justice Tuatagaloa said part of any lawyers’ training is to appear in court, and as a senior counsel himself, he should advise whoever advised him (Lesa) to appear on behalf of Paramore.