ALLEGATIONS of political interference in a FICAC prosecution have surfaced in a leaked document purported to be part of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report into the appointment of the former FICAC Commissioner.
The document, which is circulating on social media, outlines claims that a senior minister allegedly offered to approach the then FICAC Commissioner on behalf of a Cabinet colleague facing abuse of office charges.
The charges relate to directives made in 2023 to halt investigations into the illegal trade of protected marine species.
According to the leaked documents, the COI heard evidence that the minister – who is said to have active legal matters of his own – told the accused minister that he could “approach” the former commissioner to have the case withdrawn.
The document states the two are known to be personal acquaintances.
The documents say that the minister, when questioned during the inquiry, denied making any such offer.
The documents claim that the inquiry received testimony about the alleged continued “weaponisation” of FICAC, a term used to describe the use of the agency to pursue political rivals.
“Control of FICAC continues to be seen by some as a significant prize,” the report said, “which once won, can be used to both target one’s political foes, and to help one’s political allies.”
Questions have been sent to the politician named in the leaked document.
The Prime Minister has so far resisted calls to release the full report.
