27 Apr 2011

Cook Islands communications company lodges complaint about illegal foreign business

2:29 pm on 27 April 2011

A Cook Islands communications company has lodged a complaint with the Cook Islands Business Trade and Investment Board about foreign businesses operating illegally.

One of Mervin Communications' directors says the Board's confirmed that the nine telecommunications companies listed in the complaint aren't registered to operate in the Cook Islands.

William Framhein says he wants the Board to investigate.

"I don't think it's fair for foreign companies to come here and operate illegally, operate without the consent of the BTIB Board and yet indigenous companies have to comply with the law. If we were to break the law one of these foreign companies has the power to take us to court and litigate against us."

William Framhein says he's asking the Cook Islands Business Trade and Investment Board to prosecute the companies in the complaint, including suspending them from being able to trade until they're registered.