10 May 2006

Australian police detect unusual cash flow into Solomons

7:28 pm on 10 May 2006

Australian police say they have uncovered evidence of large amounts of cash flowing into Solomon Islands bank accounts ahead of last month's election.

The Australian police chief, Mick Keelty, says the unspecified quantity of money was deposited at the time of the riots in the Solomons capital, Honiara.

Mr Keelty gave no details of the source of the funds but told reporters in Sydney that the transfers are part of the allegations against some of the people who have been charged.

Two ministers have been in remand on charges of inciting the unrest that targetted some businesses owned by ethnic Chinese people.

Mr Keelty says police are yet to unravel the role, if any, of Taiwanese and Chinese influences behind the recent violence.