Passport forgery arrest

APIA – Police in Samoa have arrested a former Immigration employee accused of illegally selling a Samoan passport to a foreigner and have charged him with forgery.

But police said more charges could be laid as their investigations continue.

The accused name has been withheld until he appears in court.

Because of the sensitivity of the case, the police said they would not provide any further comment while the court case is pending.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who is also the Immigration Minister, said there would always be those who try to cheat the system but the message was clear that offenders would be punished.