47-year-old suspect arrested for alleged allegation of false pretense
Taskforce Janus arrested a 47-year-old male suspect on 26 September 2024 for allegation of multiple false pretenses and uttering false document charges on 26 September 2024.
The alleged allegations occurred in 2021, 2022 and 2023 when the suspect was a sales manager at Raretech Enterprises, a Honiara based business which supplies ICT equipment and services.
The suspect allegedly provided multiple false invoices from competitors to the Ministry of Mines Energy and Rural Electrification to ensure Raretech Enterprises provided the lowest quotation for goods and services and win contracts to supply ICT equipment to the Ministry.
Assistant Commissioner for Crime and Intelligence, Ms. Patricia Leta said the action resulted in Raretech Enterprises being awarded procurement contracts of almost $400,000.00 over a two year period.
“Investigation shows the professionalism of the police partner agencies.”
“The only way to tackle systemic corruption is for agencies to continue to work together and share resources and expertise,” Ms Leta said.
The suspect has been charged with 11 counts of false pretense contrary to section 308 (a) of the penal code and 19 counts of uttering a forged document contrary to section 342(1) of the Penal Code.
He was later released and will appear before the Honiara Magistrates’ Court on a later date.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury Mr. Mckinnie Dentana said the investigation demonstrated the government’s ongoing commitment to stamping out corruption.
“Promoting good governance for Solomon Island Government must remain to ensure correct procurement procedures are followed and that government monies are spent appropriately.”
Taskforce Janus is made up of specialist officers from the RSIPF and the MoFT internal audit office.
ENDS///
Police media/SIBC edited for clarity