KOROR (Palau Government/Pacnews) — The Palau Supreme Court trial division found former Ngiwal Gov. Ellender Ngirameketii guilty on all counts brought against him by the Office of Special Prosecutor.
Ngirameketii was found guilty of six counts of misconduct in public office, six counts of Code of Ethics violations, six counts of Social Security administration reporting violations and five counts of unified tax act violations.
In three-day trial, the court said it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that Ngirameketii acted illegally under the color of office for under reporting income he earned between 2014 and 2018 as sole owner of Okal Security Agency.
Ngirameketii reported earning less than $14,000 between 2014 and 2018 but record shows his company earned $1.3 million from the Okal Security Agency contracts during the same period.
The trial also showed that he failed to pay taxes on a real estate transaction in 2018. In addition, he failed to report and pay Social Security contributions for the employees of Okal Security Agency during the same period and failed to obtain a valid business license for years 2016 to 2019.
Judgment was issued on July 23 with sentencing set for Sept. 2, 2021.
Ngirameketii is the first of three officials charged to be found guilty. Two remaining current and former public officials, Ngaraard Gov. Benjamin Iskawa and former Angaur Speaker Leon Gulibert, have cases before the court this month.
Ellender Ngirameketii
