The Ministry of Police has launched a criminal investigation into allegations against the former Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Sefuiva Charlene Malele. 

This was confirmed by the Commissioner of Police, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

 “I can confirm the investigation on the Clerk has been referred to us – we received the referral yesterday (Monday). We have it now and we are investigating the Clerk,” he said.

Sefuiva’s services as the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly were terminated last month, as a result of an investigation by the Audit Office. 

Last year the Audit Office investigated an official complaint filed by a Parliamentary driver, alleging the misappropriation of Government funding, human resources issues, and the alleged abuse of Government-owned properties. 

Fuiavaili’ili did not go into the details of the investigation. However, the Samoa Observer understands the inquiry is being handled by the Ministry of Police’s Criminal Investigation Division. 

Attempts by this newspaper to get a comment from Sefuiva have been unsuccessful.