PNG Police Boosts Financial Crime Investigation Capabilities with Specialist Training
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is taking a significant step towards combating financial crimes in the country by providing specialist training for police officers to investigate and prosecute fraud and corruption cases.
Comprehensive Training for 80 Officers
By the end of the year, almost 80 officers will have received comprehensive training on how to detect, investigate, and prosecute complex fraud and related matters effectively. The Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate of the RPNGC has been conducting a national course on Fraud Investigations and Prosecutions.
Recent Training Sessions
The latest session was held in Kokopo, East New Britain province, for 28 officers from the New Guinea Islands Region. This is the second group of officers to undergo this training, following one conducted in March for 29 officers from the Southern Region in Port Moresby.
Strengthening Investigative Capabilities
The training aims to strengthen the capacity of these officers to investigate and prosecute fraud and corruption cases in a coordinated manner, fostering mutual understanding and teamwork between investigators and prosecutors. Course instructor, Chief Sergeant Kila Guma, emphasized that the training significantly increases the effectiveness of police in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting fraud, corruption, and similar crimes.
Course Content
The course covers practical issues such as:
- Investigation planning and management
- Interactive sessions on elements of offences
- File preparation and evidence
- Training on recent legislation concerning money laundering and the proceeds of crime
Participants will receive hands-on training on how to tackle increasingly complex financial crimes.
Positive Feedback from Participants
For Senior Constable Tina Nikints, a fraud investigator based in East New Britain, the training was “something I have been longing for”. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to receive formal training, having previously relied on reading old court files to understand what was involved. Similarly, police prosecutor Senior Constable Felicitas Mare praised the course, saying it will lead to more effective and efficient investigations and prosecutions.
Future Training Sessions
The RPNGC plans to conduct the next training in Mt Hagen for officers based in the Highlands region. This initiative is supported by the Australian Government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Program.
For further information, including access to related materials, contact the Australian High Commission media team at +675 7090 0100.