The chief executive Samoa's Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Afamasaga Su'a Pou Onesemo, has been suspended.
The one month suspension on full pay, according to the government, is to allow police to carry out their investigation into alleged corrupt practice.
Afamasaga Su'a Pou Onesemo. Photo: Samoa Ministry of Works
Afamasaga has strongly rejected claims made by a Malaysian based company which provides technical & administrative support for maritime vessels.
The Samoa Observer reported the company had provided services to the ministry but its licence was recently revoked by Afamasaga.
The company then complained to the government saying the chief executive had asked for money, land and free overseas travel for him and his family, among other allegations.
Attorney general Lemalu Herman Retzlaff then referred the matter to police who have now launched a criminal investigation into the allegations.