8 Nov 2012

Cook Islands police under investigation

4:14 pm on 8 November 2012

The Cook Islands financial watchdog is investigating the police force and the marine resources ministry.

The Public Expenditure Review Committee is probing the police over allegations of corruption within the force.

It was revealed in June that property in police custody over the value of 16,000 US dollars had been stolen by officers from the national police headquarters, and two police officers have been jailed over separate cases.

The Committee's chairperson, Marie Francis, says the committee has met the Police Commissioner Maara Tetava to discuss the issues within his force and will be reporting on it shortly.

The committee is also investigating the Ministry of Marine Resources on controversial fishing agreements and licensing issues.