Money laundering scammers convicted, await sentencing in Samoa
The pair were accused of running the scam in early August, when officers apprehended them before they left the country.
Nicolas Giannos a businessman from Greece along with Rosita Stanfield established what they called a UFUN investment club in Samoa where they recruit local investors to invest in the Club and promised a higher return afterwards.
The Central Bank of Samoa met with the group in early 2015 as they hoped to establish a proper business branch in the island.
UFUN club was an investment programme based in the Philippines, but in late 2014, their main branch was raided by the country police and exposed.
Giannos and Stanfield were alleged agents to the investment group. They were first suspected by the Central Bank of Samoa, when they were remitting money overseas, a sum of 100,000 talas worth, divided into subgroups of 20,000
They have been charged with 6 joint charges of obtaining by deception.
Nicolas Giannos has been convicted with an added charge of false accounts.
The Central Bank of Samoa is warning the public to take better caution when coming across these types of offers.
“You must use your common sense and critical thinking. If someone makes you an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is!
“Whether it’s an investment, the purchases of goods or services, or a large donation, always make sure you are doing your own independent research before handing over significant amounts of cash.
“Remember that family members and friends may try to involve you in a ’scam’ without realising that it is a scam themselves.”
Chief Justice Patu Tavaasue Falefatu Sapolu has stated these charges in his conclusion, but will provide more of his decision on 4 January, 2016 before sentencing Giannos and Stanfield on 2 February.
Loop Pacific
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