Photo Credit: ACC facebook images
Nuku’alofa, Tonga — Tonga’s Anti-Corruption Commission has reached another milestone with the formal submission of its Annual Report for the 2025/26 Financial Year to His Majesty through the Palace Office in Nuku’alofa.
Copies were also delivered to the Lord Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the Privy Council through the Lord Privy Seal.
The report was delivered by Executive Director Ms. Mele Mangisi, Chief Operations Officer Mr. Sioeli Tu’ivai, and Director of Investigations Ms. Olivina ’Aholelei.
The Anti-Corruption Commissioner has recommended that the report be made public pursuant to section 56(2) of the Anti-Corruption Commissioner Act, giving the people of Tonga an opportunity to better understand the Commission’s work.
A NEW WATCHDOG UNDER PUBLIC SCRUTINY
The latest report follows the Commission’s first full financial-year reporting period, which recorded 37 complaints during 2024/25.
Of those, 15 involved allegations of fraud, while others concerned alleged corrupt conduct, maladministration or referrals, interference, bribery and victimisation.
By the end of that reporting period, 36 matters remained under investigation, while one had proceeded to judicial review.
There had been no charges or prosecutions during the period.
Those figures must be understood within the broader role of the Commission. A complaint is an allegation, while an investigation is a process of establishing facts and assessing evidence. Neither, by itself, establishes guilt.
For a relatively new institution, the development of investigative systems, specialist expertise and public understanding is an important part of establishing its effectiveness.
BUILDING LEGAL AND INVESTIGATIVE STRENGTH
The Commission has previously identified the need for specialised investigators, legal officers, ICT personnel, stronger case-management systems and improved digital evidence capabilities.
That capacity-building work is also reflected in the professional development of its staff.
The Office recently celebrated the successful admission of Ms. Siutaka Lotulelei, Legal Officer, as a Law Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Tonga.
Her admission represents an important professional achievement and adds to the Commission’s legal capacity as it continues developing its role in public service.
LEARNING FROM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
The ACC is also strengthening its capacity through engagement with established anti-corruption institutions overseas.
The Office has expressed its appreciation to Chief Commissioner John Hatzistergos AM and his team at the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (NSW ICAC) for hosting Executive Director Ms. Mele Fakatouato Mangisi for an organisational and operational exchange.
The opportunity allowed Tonga’s ACC to learn from the experience and systems of one of Australia’s established integrity institutions.
The Office also acknowledged the support of the Women in Leadership Programme under Australia Awards, whose sponsorship made the learning opportunity possible.
With the help of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, ACC Tonga has also strengthened its investigative expertise through international training and knowledge exchange. Mr. ‘Etuate Fonua recently completed a 10-day programme in Hong Kong focused on illicit enrichment, asset recovery, money laundering, cryptocurrency-related crime and corruption prevention, including a study tour to Guangzhou, China.
For Tonga, such partnerships provide opportunities to exchange knowledge, strengthen institutional capacity and develop professional practices relevant to the country’s own anti-corruption framework.
The ACC has described the cooperation as contributing to its commitment to integrity, accountability and public trust.
HELPING TONGANS UNDERSTAND THE ACC
The Commission’s earlier complaint figures also highlight the importance of public education.
Of the 37 complaints received in 2024/25, 30 were made in person and four by email.
For many Tongans, the ACC remains a relatively new institution. Greater public awareness can help people understand what can be reported, what information may assist an investigation and how the complaints process works.
That knowledge is essential for the Tonga Anti Corruption Commission to become an accessible and trusted avenue for accountability.
The fight against corruption is not won in a single year — it is built through courage, integrity and persistence.
With every investigation and every partnership, Tonga’s ACC is strengthening the foundations of public trust.
One case at a time, one institution at a time, Tonga is building a stronger culture of accountability for the generations ahead.
