An official police investigation has been opened following a complaint alleging misuse of funds involving former Sports Minister Jese Saukuru and suspended Fiji Sports Council chief executive Gilbert Vakalalabure, the Fiji Police Force confirmed on Saturday. The force said it has received an official complaint and the matter is now subject to active inquiry.
In a brief statement, police said: “The Fiji Police Force has received an official complaint of alleged misuse of funds involving the former Minister for Sports and Fiji Sports Council Chief Executive Officer.” The statement provided no further detail about the nature of the allegations, the amount of money involved, or when the alleged conduct took place. No arrests or charges were announced as part of the initial disclosure.
Police also said they would work closely with the Office of the Auditor General to ensure a thorough inquiry. That collaboration typically involves auditors reviewing financial records, contracts and transactions to establish whether public funds were improperly handled — a step that could produce evidence for investigators if criminal conduct is suspected.
Gilbert Vakalalabure has been suspended from his role as CEO of the Fiji Sports Council pending the outcome of the investigation, according to the police statement. Jese Saukuru, identified in the complaint as the former Minister for Sports, has not been publicly quoted in relation to the probe. The Fiji Sports Council administers major national sporting facilities and programs, and the chief executive post oversees day-to-day management of those operations and budgets.
Police did not disclose who lodged the complaint or whether it originated inside the Sports Council, from another government office, or from a member of the public. Authorities also did not indicate a timeline for completing the inquiry. Investigators said the probe remains ongoing and further updates will be provided as enquiries progress.
The announcement is the latest development in a broader environment of increased scrutiny of governance in Fiji’s public and sporting institutions. Involving the Office of the Auditor General signals authorities are seeking forensic financial analysis rather than treating the matter as solely an employment or administrative issue. Depending on the auditors’ findings and evidence gathered by police, the case could be referred to prosecutors for possible criminal charges.
For now, the police statement is the only official confirmation of the probe. The force urged patience while investigators and auditors examine records, and indicated it would release further information when appropriate.
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