10 Feb 2014

Board office raided by police in Cook Islands as part of investigation

7:45 am on 10 February 2014

The offices of the Cook Islands Business Trade and Investment Board were raided by police last week.

The Board's chief executive Terry Rangi says three local officers along with a law enforcement official from New Zealand presented a search warrant before entering the premises.

He says the raid was in relation to the ongoing investigation of Cabinet Minister Teina Bishop.

Cook Islands news says Mr Bishop has been under investigation by authorities for about six months over allegations of bribery and corruption.

Mr Bishop's Aitutaki home, his ministerial offices in Avarua, and a unit in Nikau rented out by the Aitutaki MP were also raided by officers last week.

Authorities are investigating the Cabinet Minister in relation to his connection with fishing company, Huanan Fishery.