Seven Kiwis accused of rioting moved from Christmas Island

An image from Christmas Island rioting released by Australia's Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.

Seven Kiwis removed from the embattled Christmas Island detention centre last night might be facing prosecution.

Riots kicked off at the centre on Monday morning, after refugees asked officials what happened to Fazel Chegeni whose body was found on Sunday following his escape from the detention centre on Friday.

Riot police stormed the centre on Tuesday after reports of detainees barricading themselves into compounds and bracing themselves for a fight, armed with chainsaws, petrol bombs and machetes as weapons.

And footage released by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection shows carnage in the wake of the unrest, including smashed windows, blackened walls from fire and widespread damage.

It also appears parts of the corrugated iron wall and roof has been peeled back.

The damage will allegedly cost more than AU$1 million to fix and authorities say the men who caused the wreckage will be prosecuted once identified, AAP reported.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said five detainees were being treated for injuries afterwards and confirmed tear gas had been used.

Seven New Zealand men allegedly involved in the riots have been moved from Christmas Island to a high-maximum prison in Western Australia.

Damage caused during a the unrest at the Christmas Island Immigration detention centre. Photo / Supplied

They were taken to the airport in handcuffs, telling reporters they were from New Zealand.

Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the men were "among a group of extreme-risk individuals who are alleged to have been involved in the disturbance at the centre".

He said they were on a charter flight accompanied by security officers.

"Restraints are used where appropriate for the safety and security of detainees, staff and the aircraft."

The pictures released by Australia's Immigration Department shows broken glass and trashed offices. Photos / Supplied

The transfer came hours after it emerged former Lance Corporal Ngati Kanohi Te Eke Haapu, known as Ko, was being held at a high-security prison in Western Australia - despite allegedly not committing a crime.

It has now been revealed the former Kiwi soldier once acted as Prime Minister John Key's personal bodyguard.

Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox said on Tuesday that she was contacted by Mr Rutene's family.

"He committed no crime in Australia, he committed no crime in New Zealand.

"He is barely a member of the Rebels motorcycle gang, he is a decorated serviceman and he is being held in a detention centre," she said.

"The Prime Minister has got it wrong and needs to do more."

Former Lance Corporal Ngati Kanohi Te Eke Haapu is currently in a maximum security prison. Photo / Supplied

Labour corrections spokesman Kelvin Davis said detaining the ex-soldier was an example of the "politics of fear".

In 2010, Mr Rutene served in Afghanistan as a gunner and was sent to four serious incidents. One included an attack on troops that resulted in the death of Lieutenant Timothy O'Donnell.

Melbourne lawyer Michael Pena-Rees said Mr Rutene was "deeply affected" because he knew Mr O'Donnell and was tasked to convey his body from the attack area.

Mr Rutene has been involved with the Rebels motorcycle club in Perth, where he has worked in scaffolding in a mine.

A law change in Australia means foreign-born nationals can have their visas revoked by the Minister of Immigration on character grounds. Mr Rutene was reportedly arrested on November 2.

In a statement released by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection said detainees still on the island were being returned to repaired accommodation compounds in the facility.

Police had kicked off an investigation into the damage and "disturbance", the department said.

Mr Dutton told reporters the detainees who damaged commonwealth property would be prosecuted, and any asylum seekers who took part could potentially harm their chances of being granted visas, AAP reported.

The detention centre is run by controversial private prison operator Serco, which hit headlines in New Zealand this year after a series of scandals emerged at Mt Eden prison.

It is understood there were 40 New Zealand detainees at Christmas Island when the riots kicked off.

There are 585 Kiwis facing deportation across Australia, the New Zealand Government said.