30 Aug 2005

Two more political leaders facing corruption charges in Solomon Islands

6:59 pm on 30 August 2005

Solomon Islands police have charged a further two politicians in Western Province with fraud involving logging licences.

Last week charges were brought against the former provincial premier, Clement Base, for corruption and allegedly converting tens of thousands of dollars in logging licence fees for his own use.

On Monday a former advisor to Mr Base', Joseph Douglas, and a former Finance Minister, Alfred Dio Kaehuna, were also charged with similar offences.

Mr Douglas was charged with one count of official corruption and 9 counts of conversion.

Alfred Dio Kaehuna is charged with one count of official corruption and 3 counts of conversion.

The Police Commissioner, Shane Castles, calls the arrests a terrific example of dedication and determination by the investigators.