Auckland man, Iosefa Ta’alo Ape also known as Joesph
Aiono, has been sentenced for several offences relating to
the theft of class 4 (pokies) grant funds, under the Crimes
Act 1961, following investigation by Te Tari Taiwhenua,
Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

At the time of
the offending, Mr Ape ran Hoop Star Basketball Academy and
submitted fraudulent grant applications that represented
over $75,000 in fictitious costs.

Mr Ape was sentenced
to 6 months home detention, 6 months post-detention and
ordered to pay reparations.

Vicki Scott, Director
Gambling, DIA, said the successful prosecution is a win for
communities.

“This type of dishonest behaviour will
not be tolerated.”

“We are committed to holding
people to account to ensure the financial benefits to
communities from gambling are maximised, and the integrity
of the grants system is not compromised.”

“Every
dollar of grant funding from class 4 gambling
matters.”

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