IPI to appear before grand jury in Jan

Friday 15th of November 2019

Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International has been summoned to testify before a grand jury in January, as has been ordered to bring communications between IPI and Gov. Ralph DLG Torres about any discussions relating to cash, Saipan Tribune reports.

Under the subpoena, IPI will appear at the court on January 30, 2020, and commands IPI to provide any communications between any owners, executives, or employees of IPI and Gov. Ralph DLG Torres discussing, directing, or summarizing cash transactions and/or donations to the Friends of Ralph organization or to any other political campaigns on or after Sept. 1, 2013.

Among the documents sought are records relating to the land lease or purchase agreements involving IPI and the governor and his brothers.

It also seeks any communications between IPI involving Ron L. Anderson and/or Alfred Chi-Yam Yue relating to or discussing the transfer or exchange of anything of value, including hotel stays, plane tickets, car rentals, and ground transportation; and documents , as well as documents relating to communications between IPI and the governor regarding discussions on the operation of IPI’s casino or other properties on Saipan, its financial obligations to the CNMI, and its tax obligations and payments or non-payments to the CNMI.

Last week, IPI said it assisted an investigation by enforcement officers on Saipan on Nov. 7.

According to local media reports, the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided IPI’s main office on Saipan, as well as CNMI Governor Ralph Torres’ office, vehicle and home. They also visited his brother’s law firm, Torres Brothers, LLC.

The reports did not give details for the reasons for the raid.