Financial Crime World

Financial Crimes and Corruption Plague Papua New Guinea as Experts Gather to Combat Issue

Strengthening Investigation and Prosecution of Financial Crimes and Corruption in Papua New Guinea

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union, has organized a three-day training workshop for public officials to strengthen their ability to investigate and prosecute financial crimes and corruption. The workshop, held from August 24-26 in Lae, Morobe Province, aimed to enhance cooperation and skills among over 40 officials from 11 provinces to effectively tackle money laundering linked to corruption.

Interactive Training Delivered by International Experts

The training was highly practical and interactive, delivered by UNODC’s Jason Reichelt and Josephine Mann of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Participants included representatives from various government 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

Combating Corruption: A Critical Step in Bringing Corrupt Actors to Account

According to Graeme Gunn, UNODC Officer-in-Charge and Anti-Corruption Adviser for Papua New Guinea, the training is a critical step in bringing corrupt actors to account. “Effective enforcement of anti-corruption laws is essential to achieving Papua New Guinea’s goal of having effective systems and processes in place,” he said.

Applying New Concepts to Deter and Punish Wrongdoing

Josephine Pitmur, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, emphasized the importance of applying new concepts such as anti-money laundering laws and proceeds of crime powers to deter and punish wrongdoing. “Our next priority is to apply these laws to their full effect,” she stressed.

Collaboration Key to Fighting Corruption

Thomas Eluh, Chair of the interim PNG Independent Commission Against Corruption, commended all participating agencies for coming together to fight corruption. “The people of Papua New Guinea expect and deserve it. Only together can we move mountains,” he said.

Enhancing Cooperation and Strengthening Capacity

The workshop was conducted under the Project on Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea, implemented jointly by UNODC and the United Nations Development Programme PNG, with funding from the European Union. The training is expected to enhance cooperation among participating agencies and strengthen Papua New Guinea’s capacity to combat financial crimes and corruption.

Key Partners

  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
  • European Union
  • Department of Justice and Attorney-General
  • United Nations Development Programme PNG