10th October 2016 A police investigation codenamed OPERATION Kingfisher commenced on 29 September 2016 based on a referral made by the New Zealand Immigration Office.
The investigation involved seven stolen Greek passport holders who arrived Tonga on 22 September 2016. The Tonga Police engaged with INTERPOL and confirmed that these passports were reported stolen earlier this year and have been altered with false identities.
On Friday last week, the Tonga Police executed a search warrant at their accommodation and arrested them. Another seven Georgian passports were seized as the alleged genuine identity documents.
They have been charged with knowingly dealing with forged documents. The seven accused persons are placed under house arrest and will be appearing at the Magistrate Courts on Monday 10 October 2016. The police passport taskforce continues with the investigation.
Acting Police Commissioner Viliami ‘Unga Fa’aoa
ENDS
Issued by the: Tonga Police