The Fiji Police Force has initiated preliminary investigations concerning the alleged unauthorized issuance of passports to children connected to individuals from the Grace Road group. Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, stated that the direction for the next steps will depend on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka after further discussions.
This development comes in the wake of Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua’s decision to resign from his position to facilitate an unbiased investigation. Tikoduadua indicated that these passports were allegedly granted without his awareness or the consent of senior officials in the Department of Immigration.
Commissioner Chew noted that the preliminary investigation will assess whether the Fiji Police Force or the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will take charge of the inquiry.
Overall, this investigation illustrates the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that any misconduct is addressed thoroughly. The proactive steps taken by Minister Tikoduadua to step down signify a desire for integrity in the governmental process, setting a positive tone for the investigation’s outcome and restoring public trust.
In summary, the Fiji Police have begun investigating a serious matter regarding the unauthorized issuance of passports, with efforts being made to ensure a fair and transparent process overseen by government authorities.
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