Former agriculture minister

His co-defendants include two other directors and an employee of the Nonu juice company as well as his wife.

The trial is scheduled for July next year.

It comes after their defence lawyer entered a not guilty plea against 233 criminal charges.

The former minister is facing 161 charges including obtaining and causing loss by deception, theft and forgery.

The former president of the Journalist Association of Samoa, Apulu Lance Polu is facing 51 charges, while the other director Martin Schwalger is only charged with one count of forgery.

The Observer reports La'auli was joined by other officials of the Nonu juice company including his wife, Heather and business associates, Apulu Lance Polu and Tuitui Aiolupo in relation to alleged criminal activity.

Another defendant, Martin Schwalger, did not appear as he was running late.

Judge Fepulea'i Roma Ameperosa ordered the defendants to hand over their passports and travel documents as part of their bail conditions.

A lawyer from the Attorney General's Office told the Court the charges had yet to be finalised and he requested an adjournment.