Former acting deputy commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Francis Puleiwai, is currently under investigation by the police.
Puleiwai is being scrutinized for allegedly overstepping her authority as acting deputy commissioner on a day when Barbara Malimali was already serving as the appointed FICAC Commissioner.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew confirmed that police received a report about Puleiwai’s actions. Malimali herself has filed a report against Puleiwai for alleged abuse of office.
“We have lodged a complaint with police concerning the abuse of office when she attempted to usurp the powers of the Commissioner when the Commissioner was appointed and present in the office,” Malimali stated.
The situation escalated after Puleiwai ordered the arrest and questioning of Malimali on September 5, the same day she resigned from her position, submitting her resignation to the Judicial Services Commission.
When reached for comment, Puleiwai claimed she was not aware of any investigation being conducted against her. Following her resignation, she traveled to Australia.