Judge overturns not guilty verdict of assessors

A former employee of Vinod Patel and Company charged with money laundering and corrupt practices has been convicted by the Suva High Court this afternoon.

High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo today overturned the not guilty unanimous opinion of the assessors delivered on Monday.

Monika Arora unlawfully obtained $472,466 and disposed the cash for her and the benefit of others by forging Vinod Patel and Companies cheques and vouchers between 9th December 2005 and 2007.

Arora is also alleged to have offered $10,000 to the accountant of the company to stop all investigations.

She has been remanded in custody and Justice Salesi Temo is expected to sentence her on 26th January.


Story by: Ronal Deo