First arrest for Task Force Janus

Task Force Janus is a joint effort between the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Ministry of Finance & Treasury (MOFT).

The focus of the Task Force is to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in fraud and corruption within but not limited to the Solomon Island Public Service.

The Task Force is an intelligence led operation with MOFT and has identified a number of individuals suspected of corruption and abuse of their public office.

Last week members of the RSIPF and MOFT executed search warrants at the residential address of a senior public official and his government office.

The warrants were as a result of a joint investigation into irregularities concerning this individual and his involvement in a number of tenders.

The value of the tenders subject to this phase of the Task Force investigation now exceeds $800,000.00.

The senior government official has been arrested and charged on several counts of Official Corruption. Further charges may be pending.

The matter will be referred to the Office of the Director of the Public Prosecutions.

A 35 year old male is to appear in the Honiara Magistrates Court Today. The matter is now sub judice.

The joint investigation team are continuing with their enquires. Members of the public or officers in Solomon Island Government Ministries who are aware of fraud or corruption are urged to report matters to the police.