Pacific / Fiji

More charges over Fiji cyclone aid abuse

13:35 pm on 27 May 2016

In Rakiraki the cyclone flipped a van and slammed it into the ground Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

Three more people have been charged in Fiji for allegedly using Cyclone Winston relief funds fraudulently.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, says three more people have been charged with using false documents to obtain a benefit under the government's Help for Homes initiative.

They will appear in court this afternoon.

Today's charges follows three arrests earlier this week, when Mr Pryde said 17 more people were being investigated.

The relief package, which is expected to cost the Fiji government at least $US 35 million, provides for households to apply for pre-paid electronic cards to buy building materials from a variety of retailers.

People queue in Lautoka for their Fiji National Provident Fund cheques as part of cyclone relief Photo: RNZI/Sally Round