Police wait for referrals from OAG before investigate ESP report

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) is waiting for the referral of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) audit report from the Office of Auditor General (OAG) before commence its investigation.

Commissioner RSIPF Mr. Mostyn Mangau said police and the Office of Auditor General had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Office of the Auditor-General in Honiara on 19 May 2023.

Commissioner Mangau said the MoU sets out areas of cooperation including manners of referrals, follow ups, sharing of information and sharing of resources between the Auditor-General.

Mr. Mangau said the MoU provides a simple framework for both offices to collaborate in addressing areas that require further investigation. The MoU formalises a process for the OAG to refer to the RSIPF any matters found in audits and other work which may indicate corruption, crime or misconduct.

The police chief said the MoU also provides for the OAG to pass on any information it has regarding those matters that may assist the RSIPF in any investigation of interest to them. This process includes measures to ensure confidentiality and a process where a clear trail of the information being passed to the RSIPF is maintained.

“While I appreciate the call from leader of opposition, Hon Mathew Wale and our people for immediate investigation into the ESP audit report. Such referrals sometimes take time before reaching my office but we wait for the report to reach us then investigation commences,” Mr. Mangau said.