By RNZ
A former deputy prime minister of the Cook Islands and two others in his administration have been sent to prison for a range of fraud charges.
The Cook Islands 九一星空无限 reported High Court Chief Justice Patrick Keane sentenced Robert Tapaitau to two years and nine months in prison.
Tapaitau had faced three separate charges of use of a document to obtain pecuniary advantage and one of conspiracy to defraud.
He was convicted of 鈥渁ll or most鈥 offences, a ruling from Justice Keane said.
The former National Environment Service director Nga Puna was jailed for five years.
His wife, former Infrastructure Cook Islands secretary Diane Charlie-Puna, was sentenced to 18 months鈥 jail.
A byelection has already been held for Tapaitau鈥檚 Penrhyn seat.
It was won by Sarakura Tapaitau, the former deputy prime minister鈥檚 wife.
- RNZ
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
Get the iHeart App
Get more of the radio, music and podcasts you love with the FREE iHeartRadio app. Scan the QR code to download now.
Download from the app stores
Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all in one app. iHeartRadio is easy to use and all FREE
