Tongan noble and former  Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano (66) has been arrested and charged with numerous crimes, including allegedly making a false statement to obtain a Tongan passport, and money laundering. He remains in police custody, in Nuku'alofa today.

Tonga Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell this morning confirmed that the former Speaker and current Noble’s Representative to Parliament was arrested yesterday, March 1.

He has been charged with numerous crimes including; making a false statement for the purpose of obtaining a passport, perjury, acceptance of bribery and money laundering.

Although confined by what he could say publicly, Police Commissioner Caldwell thanked and commended the Passport Taskforce "for their methodical and professional investigation".

As criminal charges are now before a Court of Law no further comments will be made at this time, he stated.

The passport investigation continues.