03rd March, 2018 Tonga Police have confirmed that the Honourable Minister of Internal Affairs Mrs. ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu (33) and her husband, the former Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. ‘Etuate Sisitoutai Lavulavu aka ‘Etuate Sungalu Lavulavu (59) were arrested today on various fraud related charges.
The charges are three counts for obtaining by false pretences, contrary to section 164 of the Criminal Offences Act and three counts of knowingly dealing with forged documents, contrary to section 172 of the Criminal Offences Act.
Commissioner Stephen CALDWELL said the charges relate to a referral made to Tonga Police by the Auditor General over a number of irregularities in an audit of‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute in 2016.
Commissioner CALDWELL wanted to send a clear message that no one is above the law and the law would be enforced without fear or favour by the Tonga Police.
Matters are now before the courts and no further comment is to be made.
ENDS
For further Inquiries please contact: Telesia Adams, Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer,
Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo; – Email: siaadams@gmail.com phone (676) 23 323 EXT. 125