DOJ to probe leak of Okada case rulings

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate the reported leakage of a resolution clearing Japanese gaming tycoon Kazuo Okada in the $10-million estafa cases filed by his former firm, Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI).

DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he would look into reports that the resolution found its way to Okada’s camp ahead of its official release by the Parañaque City prosecu- tor’s office.

“I will look into this matter ASAP. Premature disclosure of orders and resolutions prior to official release is not allowed unless there are compelling reasons that would sufficiently justify the same,” he said in a text message yesterday.

Citing the alleged leakage as grounds, TRLEI last week sought the inhibition of City Prosecutor Amerhassan Paudac from the resolution of the estafa charges against Okada for alleged bias and gross partiality.

The company accused Paudac of leaking the resolution of his office dismissing the complaint for two separate estafa complaints to Okada’s close companion, Chloe Kim, who posted it on her Facebook and Instagram accounts last May 18.

Kim, who worked as a manager at the casino resort but stopped reporting for work when Okada was kicked out of the company in June 2017, posted photos of the dispositive and signature portions of the purported resolutions dismissing two estafa cases against Okada and other former executives of the TRLEI.

The Parañaque prosecutor’s office has confirmed the dismissal of the estafa charges against Okada and other respondents and revealed that the resolution was already sent to parties through mail.