The trial of a police officer and a former reconciliation officer, both charged with money laundering from a bank last year, has been rescheduled to September 20.
Jean Baleinabuli, aged 33, faces 20 charges of money laundering, while Sofia Khan, 31, is charged with eight counts of fraudulent falsification of accounts and eight counts of money laundering.
It is alleged that between May 2, 2022, and February 13, 2023, Khan misappropriated $233,230.27 from ANZ Bank and transferred the funds to Baleinabuli’s account, who is her de-facto partner. Reports suggest that the couple utilized the stolen money to construct and renovate two homes in Nausori.
Originally heard in the Suva Magistrate’s Court, the case has now been referred to High Court Justice Chaitanya Lakshman at the High Court in Suva. The two were granted a non-cash bail bond of $5,000 at their initial court appearance.