Nukuʻalofa — The Government has launched a sweeping investigation into alleged land fraud within the Ministry of Lands, a historic step toward confronting corruption claims that have shadowed the institution for generations.
The move marks a turning point in long‑standing allegations that have included complaints lodged by a senior official with the Public Service Commission, the resignation of a former CEO, and an unprecedented expression of dissatisfaction from the monarchy toward a serving Minister.
The investigation will scrutinise land registry records, leases, and property titles, some dating back many years.
The announcement follows earlier comments by the Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, urging Tongans living overseas to travel to Tonga on land‑related matters only after first reaching agreement with the Ministry.
He said staff are currently focused on clearing a major backlog, including more than 7,000 outdated files and over 3,000 land parcels still awaiting survey and measurement.
Fusimālohi announced today that the investigation carries a clear mandate to hold anyone involved in land fraud accountable—whether they are current or former Ministry employees or individuals acting from outside the Ministry—regardless of where they are.
It aims to address persistent public claims that irregular dealings, abuse of office, and unlawful land acquisitions have undermined trust in one of the country’s most powerful institutions.
For decades, concerns about possible corruption within the Ministry of Lands have circulated within communities, including matters previously reported by Kaniva News, involving alleged unlawful land acquisitions, leases issued through questionable processes, and claims that some staff may have sought personal advantage in dealings with land applicants.
These accusations have often been raised quietly, passed down through families and villages, yet rarely subjected to a full and formal investigation.
That is now set to change.
Forensic Scrutiny of Records
The Minister said the investigation will be carried out by the Legal Division of the Ministry of Lands, operating under the authority of the Minister’s Office, and will include a detailed audit of official land records.
He said the process will utilise forensic auditing methods, examining the authenticity of documents and assessing whether past decisions complied with the law and established procedures.
He also said the inquiry is expected to examine possible collusion, defined as secret or illegal cooperation intended to deceive others.
This means the investigation will not shy away from probing past actions, regardless of seniority or position, if evidence suggests wrongdoing.
Promises Without Full Review
Previous governments have acknowledged concerns about land administration but have stopped short of launching a full‑scale review.
As Kaniva News previously reported, mounting corruption allegations within the Ministry led to widespread public dissatisfaction, culminating in the resignation of the former CEO and a pledge by the then Minister to reform the Ministry.
It is understood that the current CEO, Taniela Kula, has initiated a series of reforms over the past several years, including strengthening the Ministry’s legal capacity and undertaking significant internal restructuring.
As we reported earlier, a new dispute‑resolution process has been created to offer landowners a quicker and more accessible path to justice.
Documents previously leaked to Kaniva News indicated that the King was dissatisfied with the then Minister of Lands, Lord Tu‘i‘āfitu. The authenticity of the document was later confirmed to Kaniva News by CEO Kula.
Correcting Wrongs, Returning Land
According to Fusimālohi, the ultimate goal of the investigation is not only to identify wrongdoing but to “correct errors, return land to its rightful owners, and ensure accountability where laws have been broken.”
Other authorised agencies may also become involved should criminal conduct be uncovered, raising the prospect of prosecutions if sufficient evidence is found, according to the Minister.
The Minister said the investigation gives effect to principles outlined in the Speech from the Throne, which called for stronger governance, greater accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
