24 May 2018

Solomons politician facing corruption charges

8:18 pm on 24 May 2018

Solomon Islands police have arrested the former deputy premier of Makira-Ulawa Province for alleged corruption.

Assistant police commissioner, Ian Vaevaso, said Hypolite Taremae, who was a government minister at the time of the alleged offending, had been charged with two counts of conversion under the penal code.

Mr Taremae is alleged to have misappropriated $US58,943 dollars which was intended for the Reforestation and Out Growers Subsidy in Central Makira Constituency over the years 2011 to 2013.

Investigations are continuing, Mr Vaevaso said.

Mr Taremae was formerly the MP for Central Makira and the Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace.

He is due to appear in court on June 4th.