4 Mar 2019

Tonga's Boards of Public Enterprises subject to investigation

4:25 pm on 4 March 2019

Allegations of financial improprieties within boards of Tonga's public enterprises are being investigated by the country's ombudsman.

This follows serious allegations in local media against directors on various boards.

Allegations surfaced late last year regarding excessive spending, accepting loans, foreign travel and financial bonuses.

Tonga's Public Enterprises are profit-making service providers owned by government.

Tonga's Ombudsman said if the allegations are true then procedural and administrative matters will need to be corrected, and he doesn't rule out involving the police.

Aisea Taumoepeau said all the public enterprise boards are being investigated.

"Because the allegations are not specified specifically or directed against a particular board. It's just a general allegation being made. Except one allegation is directed against a particular board and that's the Friendly Island Shipping Company."