The investigation into Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has been handed over to the Director of Criminal Investigations Department for further examination. A statement from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions indicated that the initial inquiry was deemed incomplete.
The matter was initially referred to the ODPP by FICAC on September 19, just two weeks post Ms. Malimali’s appointment. The inquiry was assessed by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku, with guidance from Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva.
It was determined that the probe was not thorough enough, leading to the file being sent to the CID director with a recommendation for a complete investigation. Once the investigation is finalized, the file will return to the ODPP for a comprehensive review of the evidence. The ODPP will provide an update following the receipt of the completed investigation file and after decisions have been made.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa confirmed that he has received the investigation file along with the advisory letter from the ODPP. He assured that all necessary due processes would be observed regarding documentation, investigation, summarization, and eventual return to the ODPP.