Apia, SAMOA — The following is a press statement issued by the Attorney General’s Office to address media inquiries alleging corruption against Chief Executive Officers.

‘I can confirm that a formal police investigation was launched 6 June 2018 by the Ministry of Police Criminal Investigation Division, in view of a complaint alleging corrupt practices by a Government CEO.’

The records of the allegations were sent to Attorney General Lemalu Herman Retzlaff and received 5 June 2018. After consideration it was referred by the AG to the Police Commissioner, with a recommendation that a criminal investigation commence immediately given the nature of the allegations. The Minister overseeing the CEO, the Acting Prime Minister and also the Prime Minister who is on travel duty, were then informed for their information, that this process has been activated by law enforcement agencies.

Said AG Lemalu, “The allegations are serious and do require looking in to.  The police have confirmed today that the recommendation for a formal investigation has been accepted, and that a team has been appointed to undertake the task and follow procedures as required, including being mindful of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. I cannot otherwise reveal actual details of the allegations at this time, as the matter is now the subject of a police investigation.  However, it is important that there is public reassurance, that as soon as the complaint was received, it was immediately acted upon by this office and the Ministry of Police, in an effort to prevent any delays, remove any suggestion of preferential treatment and to make it clear, that no one can be considered to be above the law.”

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