An investigation into alleged fraud and counterfeiting of food stamp vouchers is underway in American Samoa but the governor won't comment publicly about the matter.
Photo: RNZI/Monica Miller
Two employees of the American Samoa government's Department of Human and Social Service and one local Asian businessman were arrested last week.
The arrests are in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud the food stamp program that gets funding from the US Department of Agriculture.
The governor's executive assistant, Iulogologo Joseph Pereira said the incident was regrettable and certainly unwelcome, given the possible adverse impacts on program recipients.