The Fiji Police Force has initiated preliminary investigations concerning the alleged unauthorized issuance of passports to children associated with the Grace Road group. Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew stated that subsequent steps will be guided by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka after further discussions.
This development follows the resignation of Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua, who stepped down to ensure an unbiased investigation into the situation. Tikoduadua indicated that these passports were allegedly issued without his consent or that of senior officials in the Department of Immigration.
Commissioner Chew noted that the preliminary inquiry will assess whether the investigation will be conducted by the Fiji Police Force or the Fijian Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
This situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government processes, and the resigning of the minister could be seen as a commitment to upholding these principles. The ongoing investigation represents an opportunity for the Fiji government to reinforce trust in its immigration system while ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
In summary, the Fiji Police Force is undertaking an investigation into possible passport irregularities linked to the Grace Road group, with serious implications for governance and administrative integrity in the country.
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