Overview:
Three people face criminal charges in two separate cases involving alleged check fraud, burglary and theft of property in Palau.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau (Nov. 12, 2026) — Three people are facing criminal charges in two separate cases involving allegations of stolen checks, forged signatures and property stolen from residences, according to criminal complaints filed in the Supreme Court of Palau.
The cases involve two defendants accused of using stolen checks to purchase goods and fuel and a separate defendant accused of unlawfully entering two homes in Airai and stealing a television and fishing rod.
In Criminal Case No. 26-082, Balbei Isechal and Ruskey Augustine are charged with second-degree theft, second-degree forgery and criminal conspiracy over allegations involving personal checks belonging to Landisang Kotaro.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the alleged incidents occurred between Sept. 14 and Sept. 22, 2025. Kotaro reported that seven of her checks had been used without authorization, with four clearing through her Bank Pacific account. She told investigators the signatures were not hers and subsequently closed the account.
Investigators allege the checks were used to purchase fuel, beer, cigarettes and food at several businesses.
According to the affidavit, Augustine told investigators that Isechal provided him with checks to make purchases. In one transaction, a $250 check was allegedly used to purchase cigarettes and beer, with approximately $170 in change returned to Isechal.
In another transaction, a $120 check was used to purchase chicken, rice, cigarettes and beer. Augustine reportedly kept the chicken and rice and delivered the remaining items to Isechal.
Isechal later told investigators that she filled out a check after discovering it belonged to Kotaro and that she and Augustine used it to purchase fuel.
The three charges are Class C felonies, each carrying a potential sentence of one to five years in prison and an optional fine of up to $10,000.
In a separate case, Criminal Case No. 26-083, Brady Sambal faces four charges stemming from an alleged burglary and theft at residences behind the Community Store in Ngetkib, Airai, on Nov. 27, 2025.
Sambal is charged with unauthorized entry into a dwelling, two counts of second-degree theft and second-degree burglary.
According to the affidavit, a woman reported that a man entered her residence while she was inside and asked whether another resident, Reynald Kanai, was home. The man reportedly apologized and left after being told Kanai was away.
Surveillance footage from the nearby store allegedly showed Sambal arriving with Kertis Eledui, walking toward the residences and returning with fishing rods and a television, which they loaded into their vehicle.
Eledui reportedly confirmed seeing Sambal carry the items. Investigators said Sambal admitted entering the residences and removing the property but claimed Kanai had asked him to retrieve the television.
However, investigators said neither resident had authorized anyone to enter their homes or remove their belongings.
The fishing rod was valued at $350 and the 47-inch Roku television at approximately $700.
Each charge is a Class C felony, punishable by one to five years in prison and an optional fine of up to $10,000.
The affidavits were submitted in support of requests for penal summonses requiring the defendants to appear before the court.
All three defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.