VANUATU COMPANY OWNED BY MINISTER ACCUSED OF FRAUD

PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

VANUATU COMPANY OWNED BY MINISTER ACCUSED OF FRAUD
Failed to deliver barge, hasn’t returned down-payment

By Bob Makin

PORT VILA, Vanuatu (Vanuatu Daily Post, March 26, 2012) – Minister of Geology and Mines Steven Kalsakau and his brother Mr.Yoan Kalsakau are suspects in a Vt24 million (US$263,000) fraud investigation.

The Fraud Unit of the Vanuatu Police Force has been investigating a complaint from Belair Shipping Company which involves the shareholders of Tamau Trading Limited. It is understood the shareholders are the two Messrs Kalsakau and a Korean businessman.

One suspect was investigated yesterday and another has been answering police enquiries today. The Korean is no longer in the country.

The amount of Vt24 250 000 was paid by Belair Shipping to Tamau Trading which was to purchase a barge for the Belair Line in Korea. Mr Willie Ben Karie of Belair went to Korea with a maritime inspector in 2010 to check the vessel and recommend minor alterations. The vessel never subsequently arrived.

The Messrs Kalsakau last year were ordered to re-pay the amount of the cheque down payment of Belair, dated in September 2010, but re-imbursement has never taken place. The amount of Vt24 250 000 was paid to the Kalsakaus to guarantee the purchase.

The case is registered for mention on March 30.

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