Any files related to the Bermuda Housing Corporation inquiry will be dealt with as “a matter of priority”, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Kulandra Ratneser has said.

Mr. Ratneser, who returned to the Island yesterday following a winter break, said he was expecting to receive completed files from the Police “in the very near future” following the 20-month investigation into widespread corruption at the quango.

Due to the seniority of those involved in the investigation, which includes current and former Government figures, it is understood Police will not be carrying out interviews of political figures under caution until the DPP is satisfied there is sufficient evidence to do so.

“I expect to receive some files, and certainly at least one file, very soon,” said Mr. Ratneser.

“When they are in my possession they will be dealt with as a matter of priority. This is something that is in the public interest and should be handled as soon as possible.”

It is understood Mr. Ratneser has already seen some documents relating to the inquiry and had expected to see the first completed file of this phase of the investigation before he left the Island for a Christmas break.

Mr. Ratneser confirmed that, due to the importance of the inquiry, he would personally be reviewing the files and overseeing the DPP's role in the matter.

The Royal Gazette revealed last week that Police officers working on the corruption investigation had travelled to London's Scotland Yard in the past few weeks to consult with senior fraud squad officers there ahead of any charges being brought.

A number of files against a string of junior and senior figures involved in the housing scandal are understood to be either completed, or nearing completion, and ready to be passed on to the DPP.

A team of seven officers from a number of different Police units has been put together to work on the sensitive inquiry over the past 20 months.

Bermuda Police Service has remained tight-lipped over the details of exactly who is under the finger of suspicion and has consistently refused to release any details to the Press.