A special team of senior police investigators has been appointed to take charge of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report investigation after its analysis was completed and submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed in a press conference this morning that the report’s findings were now with the Prime Minister’s Office and police were waiting on next steps.
“I can confirm that analysis has been completed, and the findings submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister. We are waiting for guidance on the matter and in the meantime a team of senior investigators from the CID has been formed to await further guidance from my office,” Mr Tudravu said.
The COI into matters surrounding former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s appointment was commissioned by Government and subsequently referred to police after the CoI report was submitted to the Office of the President.
Mr Tudravu said once guidance was received, the assigned CID team would begin full investigations.
“One further guidance is received. I’ve given specific instructions to the team to solely focus on this investigation as it is a national case of interest and provide progress of investigation through the line Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime,” he said.
He also responded to criticism from some quarters about the fairness of the process.
“I want to stress the independence of investigation process as a lot has been said by certain individuals about the alleged findings of the inquiry that some feel would prejudice the investigations.”
“The investigation team will begin their work by gathering information before conducting interviews with persons of interest identified during the course of investigation,” he said.
“The team assigned to conduct the investigations are senior investigators who have on their own merit investigated many major cases of national interest and I urge members of the public to trust the process.”
