Integrity and Compliance

[A.] Introduction:

The creation of the Integrity and Compliance Unit was made in late 2017 with the objective to deal with specific areas of prosecutions. The ideology behind this approach is due to the evolving nature of crime and the methods to which it is being carried out. Therefore specific units need to be established to combat, concentrate and dedicate in these specialised areas of laws and offences.

The ICU has 3 main objectives which is in line with the OPP vision and mission. These goals are set out below

[B.] Objectives

To recover and collect government revenue through prosecution. Given the current world pandemic, the OPP is now focussing on assisting government with its revenue collection.

To ensure prosecutor attain special skills and knowledge including experience to tackle specific areas of prosecution. Prosecutor with specific skills and knowledge can build necessary relationships and expertise with other officers in areas of investigation and advice.

To expand and collaborate with government agencies to enforce their laws. It is well noted that much of the legislation administer by government agencies are not enforced, by assisting this agencies we can ensure public compliance.

[C.] Scope of our work:

The Integrity and Compliance Unit scope of work covers the following areas.

Public Officials;
- a. Prosecution of Police officers referred by the Professional Standards Unit under the Vanuatu Police Force.
- b. Government Ministers and Public Servants for offences under the Leadership Code [Cap240] and Penal Code [Cap135] excluding Corruptions and Bribery of officials.
Regulatory Offences
- a. Immigration Cases under the Immigration Act.
- b. Environmental Cases under the Mines and Mineral Act No. 8 of 2005 and Environment Management and Conservation Act [Cap283].
- c. Citizenship cases under the Citizenship Act [Cap112]
Resources prosecution
- a. Fisheries Act, No 10 of 2014
- b. Forestry Act [Cap276]
Cybercrime offences

[D] Team:

Each prosecutor has specific areas of responsibility to ensure the work is carried out effectively, professionally and in a timely manner.

Principal State Prosecutor – is in charge of all criminal cases and matters concerning, Public Officials and Fisheries offences. The Principal also supervises and prosecutes all regulatory offences as and when required. Other responsibilities include mentorship, supervision and management of the Unit.
Senior State Prosecutor – is in charge of Cybercrime and Immigration Cases and any matters related to this area of prosecution. The Senior State Prosecutor also supervises and prosecutes all other regulatory offences as when required. Other responsibilities include provide assistance to the Principal State Prosecutor and provides mentorship and supervision to State Prosecutors
State Prosecutor - is in charge of all criminal cases and matters under the Professional Standard Unit, Environmental and Citizenship cases and any matters related to this area of prosecution. Other responsibilities include provide assistance to the Senior State Prosecutor and Principal State Prosecutor