Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Judge Cancels Debt Repayment Order for Convicted Fraudster

1/27/2026

37 7

Summary

Story summary

Thirusivan Rajah was sentenced to 31 months' imprisonment for taking $419,971 to repay credit card debt.
After appealing a reparation order to pay back the full amount, High Court Justice Pheroze Jagose ruled the order inappropriate.
Rajah's finances include $100,000 in debt and only a KiwiSaver account as an asset.
Justice Jagose said reparation would cause undue hardship and removed the reparation requirement while upholding the prison sentence.

1 of 1

Story summary

Thirusivan Rajah was sentenced to 31 months' imprisonment for taking $419,971 to repay credit card debt.
After appealing a reparation order to pay back the full amount, High Court Justice Pheroze Jagose ruled the order inappropriate.
Rajah's finances include $100,000 in debt and only a KiwiSaver account as an asset.
Justice Jagose said reparation would cause undue hardship and removed the reparation requirement while upholding the prison sentence.