Maori King's close advisor pleads guilty to misappropriating tens of thousands in charitable funds
A close advisor to the Maori King has pleaded guilty to lying and misappropriating tens of thousands of dollars in charitable funds
16 December 2019
Rangi Whakaruru has admitted in the Auckland District Court to six counts of forgery, obtaining by deception and lying to Serious Fraud Office investigators.
He's been right-hand-man to the King Tuheitia since 2009.
The majority of charges relate to more than 48-thousand dollars of medical expenses for a stomach staple in May 2016.
Whakaruru billed it back to the Ururangi Trust - a then-registered charity set up to handle expenses related to the King's healthcare.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
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