Samoa's Associate Minister for the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, is to face trial on one count of fraud, and one of forgery, after his application to have the charges dismissed was denied.
The ruling on Monday comes as the police near completion of a separate criminal investigation against the speaker of Parliament, and two other directors of a nonu juice company.
Peseta, who is the associate minister and MP for Faasaleleaga number 4 constituency, is accused of forging a signature of a nonu juice company director on a dissolution form, for the transfer of his son's shares under his name.
Pesta Vaifou Tevaga, (far right), his lawyer Leulua'ialii Olinda Woodroffe and his son, (far left). Photo: RNZI/ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Peseta's lawyer says the MP is denying the charges.
The court is yet to set a date for the charges to be called for mention, at which time a trial date is likely to be set.