Title: Sixth Suspect Charged in $1 million Fraud Scandal at Solomon Islands Health Ministry

Arrest of Dalcy Maena

A 31-year-old woman, Dalcy Maena, was arrested on Wednesday in Honiara, Solomon Islands, and charged with 18 counts of false pretenses in relation to a complex corruption ring at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

At least six individuals are involved in this case.
Previously arrested suspects:
- Randy Hatigeva, former senior accountant: ten counts of false pretenses
- Stephen Kido Dalipanda, former financial controller: twelve counts of false pretenses
- Robert Manu, former procurement officer: fifteen counts of false pretenses
Two shipping agents implicated:
- John Biliki: ongoing investigation; currently facing 14 counts of false pretenses, 15 counts of money laundering, and 15 counts of uttering
- Wesley Poloso: sentenced to 2.5 years in prison in 2014 for receiving approximately $US193,000 of the stolen funds

The stolen funds were said to have originated from international aid intended for supporting and enhancing rural health services.

Prosecutors have asserted that this fraudulent scheme severely undermined the progress of health projects in outlying areas.

The ongoing investigation into this scandal is being jointly carried out by the Solomon Islands Internal Audit Office, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).