The Supreme Court has dismissed a move by the Reserve Bank to strike out a corruption probe case against it.
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) applied on 20 May 2025 to strike out, or partially strike out, a Statement of Claim filed by the Anti–Corruption Commission (ACC), challenging the extent of the ACC’s investigative powers.
At the heart of the case is a $5,000 staff award paid out in 2024 to mark the bank’s 35th anniversary. The ACC is seeking judicial review of the Board’s decision, despite legal advice at the time supporting the payout.
NRBT argued the ACC misused its powers, claiming the Commission obtained documents under the guise of investigation, then initiated court proceedings without warning.
In a significant ruling on 30 June, the Supreme Court dismissed NRBT’s application, marking the first judicial decision interpreting Tonga’s Anti–Corruption Commissioner Act.
“The Anti–Corruption Commission had no power to have documents produced under coercion… then seek judicial review,” NRBT claimed in court documents.
The NRBT says it will now seek leave to appeal the ruling in the Court of Appeal, as permitted under law.
Further updates are expected as the appeal process unfolds.
