20 Dec 2023

FICAC investigating acting Fiji prisons chief

3:55 pm on 20 December 2023
Salote Panapasa

Salote Panapasa Photo: Facebook / Fiji Corrections Service

The acting Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) commissioner Salote Panapasa is under investigation for "abuse of office, forgery and obtaining of financial advantage", the country's anti-corruption watchdog confirmed on Tuesday.

According to local media reports, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has received official complaints against Panapasa and the head of ICT at Post Fiji Limited Premeet Nand.

"The investigation is being conducted on the allegations of abuse of office, forgery and obtaining of financial advantage," according to state broadcaster FBC's report.

"FICAC says at this point in time, they can only confirm that investigations into these two cases are active and ongoing.

The anti-corruption body said it would not provide further information to the public.

Panapasa was appointed as the first female officer to act as FCS commissioner in January this year after spending almost 40 years with the institution.

RNZ Pacific has contacted FCS and Post Fiji Limited for comment.