THE Federal Bureau of Investigation, in a letter dated July 1, 2025 to U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, said it will formally close its investigation into former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
In late 2019, the FBI executed search warrants at the Office of the Governor, casino investor Imperial Pacific International, and the office of Alfred Yue of Marianas Consultancy Services LLC, among other locations, including Torres’ residence, vehicle, a realty office, and several apartments.
Marianas Consultancy Services LLC was a consultant for IPI.
In 2023, after the raids, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Guam and the CNMI filed a complaint in federal court seeking to forfeit funds seized from two Bank of Saipan accounts in 2019, tied to wire fraud and money laundering totaling $310,276.26.
The complaint was a civil forfeiture action and did not name any defendants, but referred to two bank accounts belonging to “MCS” at the Bank of Saipan.
Later, Marianas Consultancy Services or MCS and Alfred Yue, represented by attorney Mark Hanson, filed a verified claim in federal court on Feb. 7, 2023, asserting ownership of the seized funds.
The complaint arose from an investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service into a suspected conspiracy involving foreign entities, and entities and individuals in the CNMI, to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
That case is still pending in the District Court for the NMI and remains the only one filed in connection with the FBI raids.
In the letter to King-Hinds, FBI Assistant Director for Congressional Affairs Marshall Yates stated:
“In November 2019, the FBI publicly confirmed the execution of search warrants on Saipan, including at the then-governor’s [Capital] Hill office. All investigative actions related to those warrants have now concluded. The FBI will formally close the case once the disposition of evidence is complete, in line with standard procedures. We hope this update provides clarity and assurance to the people of the CNMI that the FBI remains committed to fairness and justice.”
King-Hinds in a statement, said: “In a recent meeting with the FBI director, I requested an update on the investigation into former Governor Torres. This letter is the response I received. Given the public interest in this matter, I am sharing it with the community.”
Torres had denied all allegations against him and issued statements maintaining his non-involvement in the controversy.
In a statement, he said:
“After five years, I am relieved that the FBI has concluded its investigation, and there have been no indictments. The process has been incredibly challenging for me, my family and also for the community I have dedicated myself to serving. Leadership is never easy, especially during times of uncertainty and hardship. However, during my tenure, I have always strived to remain committed to making decisions I believed were in the best interest of our community.
“I recognize how difficult these years have been for everyone involved, and I am grateful for the patience, support, and understanding of our community. I am especially thankful to the Lord for his guidance and for carrying me and my family throughout this difficult process. Now, with this chapter closed, I can focus on moving forward and continue contributing as a citizen of our Commonwealth.
“Thank you all for standing by me and my family through this journey.
“In addition, I would like to extend my appreciation to … Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds for her inquiry and Marshall Yates, FBI assistant director of the Office of Congressional Affairs, for his clarification and statement.”
