FSM Government official statement on US charges related to corruption

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Category: News

Published: Tuesday, 19 March 2019 05:55

Written by Bill Jaynes

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FSM Information Services

PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On or around February 12th, 2019, the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) confirmed through international media that FSM citizen Master Halbert, Assistant Secretary for Civil Aviation in the Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastructure, was arrested in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Halbert’s arrest is connected to the case concerning Frank James Lyon, of Lyon Associates, Inc, who allegedly paid bribes, including cash and travel, to two Micronesian officials between 2006 to 2016. In the indictment against Frank James Lyon of January 18, 2019, Mr. Halbert was given the designation of Micronesian Official 1.

Citizens will recall that upon the FSM National Government becoming aware on or around January 18th, 2019 of Lyons’ arrest that our Nation formally requested amplifying information from the United States Government on the alleged Micronesian officials. On February 14th, 2019 the FSM National Government was informed that the United States Government has approved the sharing of information related to this case that can be released, given the nature of this ongoing criminal investigation. The United States, under the Amended Compact of Free Association, is required to inform the FSM when FSM citizens are detained anywhere on U.S. soil. Despite currently having limited official information related to this case, the National Government is nonetheless taking appropriate steps necessary to ascertain the extent of FSM laws that may have been breached or broken.

The FSM National Government is committed to transparency and to fair and equal treatment under the law for all citizens. The FSM National Government will provide the public updates as often they are available and practical, while taking all appropriate legal measures required in this active and on-going criminal case.