DOJ takes over $10-M estafa suit vs Okada

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken over the $10-million estafa cases filed against Japanese gaming tycoon Kazuo Okada.

The complaints filed against Okada by his former firm, Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), were transferred to the DOJ from the Parañaque City prosecutor’s office, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra announced yesterday.

Guevarra said Prosecutor Amerhassan Paudac inhibited from the case.

“So the DOJ will handle any further motions in the Okada cases,” Guevarra told reporters.

He ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the reported leakage of Paudac’s resolution clearing Okada of criminal charges.

“We have requested the NBI to investigate the leak,” Guevarra said.

He issued the order after TRLEI filed an administrative complaint against Paudac for alleged violation of court rules and procedures as well as the Code of Conduct for Prosecutors over the leakage of the resolution.

The gaming firm accused Paudac of leaking the resolution to Okada’s close aide, Chloe Kim, who posted it on her Facebook and Instagram accounts on May 18.

Kim, former manager at the casino resort, posted photos of the dispositive and signature portions of the purported resolution, dismissing the two estafa cases against Okada and other former executives of TRLEI.

The gaming company said its lawyers have yet to receive copies of the resolution as of May 21.

The Parañaque prosecutor’s office has confirmed the dismissal of the estafa charges against Okada and the other respondents.

It said the resolution was sent to the concerned parties through mail.