Former acting deputy commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Francis Puleiwai, is currently under investigation by the police. The inquiry focuses on allegations that Ms. Puleiwai attempted to override the authority of the FICAC commissioner, Barbara Malimali, who was officially in office at that time.
Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force, Juki Fong Chew, confirmed that he received a report regarding Ms. Puleiwai yesterday and has instructed his team to investigate the claims. Commissioner Malimali has also confirmed that she filed a complaint against Ms. Puleiwai, alleging abuse of office.
According to Ms. Malimali, the complaint arose after Ms. Puleiwai ordered the arrest and questioning of the commissioner on September 5, a day when Ms. Malimali was already appointed and present in her office. Ms. Puleiwai subsequently resigned from her position to the Judicial Services Commission later that same day.
When reached for comment, Ms. Puleiwai claimed to be unaware of any ongoing investigation against her. Following her resignation, she traveled to Australia.