The Senate Select Investigative Committee in American Samoa has officially requested that the US government investigate corruption within the territory's government.
The chairman Senator Lualemaga Faoa made the request in letters to the US Attorney General, the director of the FBI, and the Secretary of Interior.
The territory has only one local prosecutor, the attorney general, however there are concerns that he and his family members may be involved in the alleged corruption and criminal activities.
Lualemaga says the predicament and potential conflict of interest leaves the committee with no option but to request federal intervention.
He said in his letter that the US government might be the last resort for justice within the territory.
In its probe the committee has uncovered rampant abuse of government funds, misuse of power and the awarding of contracts to companies owned by public officials.
