Sepiuta Setaita Vave appearing via audio-visual link in the Christchurch District Court today. Photo / George Heard
Sepiuta Setaita Vave appearing via audio-visual link in the Christchurch District Court today. Photo / George Heard
A woman who allegedly defrauded friends, family and associates of more than $1 million, claiming she and her partner needed money for cancer treatment, is now facing charges of sexual assault.
Sepiuta Setaita Vave, 38, and Andrew Stewart Jones, 28, were arrested on August 14 at a Wānaka property theyhad recently moved to from the West Coast.
They are each facing four charges of obtaining by deception on numerous occasions between 2021 and February this year.
The pair appeared in the Christchurch District Court today, where it was revealed Vave is also facing a new charge of unlawful sexual connection.
Both Vave and Jones have entered not guilty pleas on all charges and will stand trial in September 2026.
The Tasman Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) began investigating the pair in early August.
Sepiuta Setaita Vave (left) and Andrew Stewart Jones (right) are facing a raft of criminal charges after allegedly defrauding friends, family and associates of more than $1 million.
“Their lavish lifestyle has been funded with money allegedly defrauded from family, friends and associates, for cancer treatment that inquiries show was never required and never obtained.”
Dye said police acted “as promptly as possible” when the alleged offending came to light, “to prevent further offending on this scale”.
The alleged offenders appeared in the Queenstown District Court and were remanded in custody. Photo / George Heard
“Members of the TOCU will continue to investigate this matter to ensure all offenders are held to account,” he said.
“Inquiries to date, including an ongoing financial analysis of bank accounts used by the couple, indicate there are other victims who have not yet spoken with police.
Sepiuta Setaita Vave, appearing via audio-visual link in the Christchurch District Court today. Photo / George Heard
“We’re identifying who they are and will be investigating their complaints.”
Dye said the couple were already facing criminal charges before their arrest.
“Existing matters against the couple were filed at court in April 2024 for fraud-related offending against another two victims, totalling $79,000,” he revealed.
Andrew Stewart Jones, appearing by audio-visual link at the Christchurch District Court today. Photo / George Heard
As part of the ongoing investigation, police are “seizing assets where possible” to assist with any possible reparation.
“And so that potential victims are protected from further offending by this couple,” Dye said.
“If you feel like you have given money away to this couple that matches some of the deceptive reasons mentioned here, or have information that can assist the inquiry, contact the Tasman Organised Crime Unit.
“We’re based in Greymouth, where the team will be actively investigating your complaint.”
If you believe you are, or have been, a victim of fraud, you can report the matter online by clicking here. You can also call the police non-emergency number 105 to speak with someone.
If you have provided your bank details, please contact your bank and immediately suspend your account.
