Pacific

Cooks police pressured to investigate MPs

13:13 pm on 7 July 2015

Police in the Cook Islands are under pressure to complete an investigation into members of parliament accused of bribery and corruption.

Two MPs from Aitutaki, Teina Bishop and Mona Ioane, say the investigations have been stressful and they would like to see them completed.

Teina Bishop was accused of bribery and corruption, around his dealings with Huanan Fishery Company, during his time as Minister of Marine Resources.

The investigation began in July 2013.

The investigation into Mona Ioane centres on allegations of bribery through the appointment of a field officer during the 2014 General Election in July last year, sparking the need for the by-election on March the 31st.

Police say both cases are complex and need more time, and have denied any political interference in the cases.