Auditor-General flags police advances on unsolved cases and unverifiable acquittals, urges stronger internal controls
Summary: The Auditor-General’s 2023 report on the General Administration Sector reveals that Fiji Police Force advanced 182,809 to work on unsolved cases in 2022, while 63,009 in acquittals could not be verified because the related records were under police investigation. The audit calls for tighter supervision and improved internal controls to prevent misuse of public funds, with the CID pledging cooperation with auditors to verify acquittals tied to the Kasa Operation and CID funds.
The Fiji Police Force faced questions from the Auditor-General (OAG) over payments made in 2022 to officers assigned to work on cases still pending resolution. The 2023 Report on the General Administration Sector, tabled in Parliament, shows advances totaling 182,809 were issued in the financial year ending July 31, 2022 for unresolved matters. In the follow-up for the year ending July 31, 2023, investigators found that the ongoing inquiry had not yet concluded.
The OAG described the situation as indicative of potential lapses in vigilance and supervisory oversight. It warned that without robust supervisory checks, the internal control framework may be ineffective, casting doubt on the completeness and accuracy of the payments recorded.
To address these concerns, the Auditor-General recommended that the Police Force strengthen supervisory and review functions and ensure the internal control system is capable of preventing misuse of public funds. In its formal response, the Force said investigations were ongoing, and the Director of Criminal Investigations (CID) had agreed to allow auditors to view and verify the acquittals connected with the Kasa Operation and CID funds.
Context and broader picture
– The audit narrative in this report aligns with ongoing public-sector scrutiny of financial controls in Fiji. Earlier examinations have flagged similar issues in other agencies, such as large sums carried forward without clear allocation in police trust funds and recurring payroll and reconciliation challenges in various ministries.
– While the current finding centers on advances and unverifiable acquittals, it underscores a broader push for tighter governance, more stringent supervision, and stronger accountability mechanisms across public institutions.
What this means for taxpayers and governance
– The findings highlight the risk that public funds could be misused or misrepresented if internal controls and supervisory oversight are weak. Strengthening these controls is essential to safeguard funds and maintain public trust.
– The CID’s willingness to cooperate with auditors signals a constructive step toward transparency and corrective action. Ongoing investigations and verifications will be critical to restoring confidence in how public monies are spent linked to law enforcement activities.
Additional comments and value-added notes
– This case provides a concrete example of how audit findings can prompt reforms in real time, with senior police leadership engaging auditors to verify complex financial transactions connected to operations.
– Readers may want to track subsequent updates on the Kasa Operation acquittals and any changes to the Police Force’s internal control framework or supervisory processes.
– Given the broader context of public-sector financial management reforms in Fiji, observers should watch for rapid progress on payroll reconciliations, verification procedures, and the assignment of dedicated oversight roles to strengthen accountability.
Potential follow-up questions for editors or reporters
– What specific supervisory improvements will be implemented, and who will oversee their effectiveness?
– What is the timeline for completing the verification of the 63,009 acquittals, and what are the potential implications if discrepancies are found?
– How will these findings influence future funding flows or changes to how advances are approved and tracked within the Police Force?
In brief, the Auditor-General’s report draws attention to gaps in oversight that could affect the integrity of public funds. The Police Force’s cooperation with auditors and steps to bolster internal controls will be crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring financial accountability moving forward.
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