Member of Parliament (MP) for Ulawa-Ugi Constituency in Makira-Ulawa Province William Bradford Marau who allegedly converted $5 million of shipping funds will plea to the allegation on May 14.
Marau is facing one count of Conversion.
His matter was mentioned in the Honiara Magistrate Court and was further adjourned to May 14 for plea.
The adjournment was made to allow his lawyer to go through the bulk of disclosures and obtained instructions for plea from Marau.
Police charged Marau for allegations that he converted SBD5million of shipping funds that the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) paid into the Ulawa-Ugi Constituency Account with Bank South Pacific (BSP) in 2016.
It was alleged that on 22 January 2016, SIG paid to the Ulawa-Ugi Constituency Account with BSP the amount of SBD5million as Shipping Fund.
On 17 January 2016, the former MP allegedly advised BSP Bank to transfer the SBD5million into his personal account with the ANZ Bank.
It has been alleged that 65 withdrawals were made from the accused’s personal account totalling SBD6,023,326.70 and a further 10 withdrawals totalling SBD4,550,000 were deposited into the business account of Aslan Stationeries with ANZ. Aslan Stationaries was a private company owned by the former MP.
At the end of 2016, it was alleged that the balance remaining in Marau’s personal account was SBD27,868.87.
Jillian Soaika of Rano & Company represents Marau whilst Public Prosecutor Olivia Ratu Manu appears for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
