PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea Post-Courier/PINA) — Australia is pouring millions of kina into helping strengthen the Papua New Guinea police force’s National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Squad.
AusAID’s Papua New Guinea Incentive Fund team leader Bill Hamblin signed an agreement in Port Moresby with Police Commissioner Joseph Kupo for the fund to inject 7.4 million kina (some $2.2. million).
This is to assist the police fight and eradicate corruption in both the public and the private sector.
Kupo said fraudulent and corrupt activities by certain elements continued to be a major obstacle to economic and social development.
He said these practices robbed the country of its meager resources and aid from foreign countries.
“Subsequently, this adversely affects the reputation of our nation, damages business confidence and turns foreign investment and development away from our shores,” he said.
He said some money would be used to construct a new fraud office, and buy computers, office equipment and motor vehicles.
He said other areas of expenditure will include appointing a full-time legal adviser and forensic accountant.
They will assist investigators with advice and training to improve professionalism and successfully prosecute offenders.
There will also be training programs for provincial fraud squads on Mt. Hagen, Goroka, Kundiawa, Lae, Kokopo and Popondetta.
