Papua New Guinea Boosts Financial Crime Investigation Capabilities with EU-Backed Training
A comprehensive training workshop held in Lae, Morobe Province, has enhanced Papua New Guinea’s expertise in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. The three-day program, organized by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with European Union support, brought together over forty public officials from eleven provinces to strengthen cooperation and skills in conducting effective investigations into money laundering connected to corruption and other financial crimes.
Strengthening Anti-Corruption Laws and Combatting Financial Crimes
The workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to enforce anti-corruption laws and combat financial crime. According to Graeme Gunn, UNODC Officer- in-Charge and Anti-Corruption Adviser for Papua New Guinea, “Effective enforcement of anti-corruption laws is crucial in bringing corrupt actors to account.” Josephine Pitmur, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Justice and Attorney General, emphasized the need to apply these new concepts to their full effect to deter and punish wrongdoing.
Collaborative Effort
The training was a collaborative effort involving key agencies, including:
- Auditor General’s Office
- Department of Justice and Attorney General
- Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit
- Investment Promotion Authority
- Interim Independent Commission Against Corruption
- Office of the Public Prosecutor
- Ombudsman Commission
- Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
The program was delivered by Jason Reichelt of UNODC, with further support from Josephine Mann of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Part of a Larger Project
The workshop is part of the Project on Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea, implemented jointly by UNODC and the UN Development Programme PNG, and funded by the European Union. Thomas Eluh, Chair of the interim PNG Independent Commission Against Corruption, commended all participating agencies, stressing that “only together can we move mountains” in the fight against corruption.
Success and Commitment
The workshop’s success demonstrates Papua New Guinea’s commitment to strengthening its anti-corruption efforts and improving cooperation among law enforcement agencies. This initiative is a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s ability to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and accountable society.