6 Nov 2002

New Fiji agriculture ministry scam probed

11:58 am on 6 November 2002

Another investigation is under way into a new scam involving Fiji's agriculture ministry, this time an allegation that three car dealers colluded to inflate prices for spare parts ordered by the ministry.

The Fiji Times reports that the investigation is headed by the ministry's principal accountant, Tavaga Tikomaimeleya.

The newspaper quotes a senior ministry accountant as saying that the dealers and agriculture officials colluded an altered quotations in their favour.

The three car dealers have all denied they are under investigation and say they are still doing business with the ministry.

The fresh investigations come on the heels of the 13-million US dollar farming assistance scacm which led the suspension and diciplining of senior officials in the ministry.