Corruption Scandal Rocks Papua New Guinea’s Climate Change Agency

Senior Officials Charged with Misusing Over AU$2 Million in Public Funds

A shocking corruption scandal has engulfed Papua New Guinea’s Climate Change and Development Authority, with senior staff members facing charges of misappropriation and abuse of power involving more than AU$2 million (US$1.3 million) in public funds.

Whistleblowers Spark Investigation

The allegations came to light after two whistleblowers alerted the police, sparking a major investigation that has led to the arrest of finance manager Ivan Aipi. The first whistleblower, Alfred Rungol, a senior official at the climate agency and former expert for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), claimed that two senior officials attending a UNFCCC meeting in Germany sought to transfer PGK 45,000 (equivalent to US$12,000) to their private accounts as reimbursement, despite the UN agency supposedly covering trip expenses.

Charges and Allegations

Aipi is facing 35 charges, including the illegal issuance of checks benefiting the agency’s acting managing director, Willian Lakain. According to court documents, Aipi’s magistrate wife attempted to bribe an investigating police officer, further complicating the case.

• The National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate and the Major Crimes Unit have outlined a range of allegations against Aipi, including:
  • Official corruption
  • Abuse of power
  • Misappropriation of funds
• Police allege that the agency misused nearly AU$150,000 (US$97,000) between August 2022 and March 2023 on hotel accommodations with minimal impact on combating climate change.

Lakain’s Response

Lakain has vehemently denied the claims, asserting that all expenses were fully accounted for. He defended the expenditure on accommodations, describing it as “justified.” Additionally, he characterized the whistleblower’s revelations as “defamatory” and detrimental to his agency’s reputation.

Impact of the Scandal

The scandal has sent shockwaves through Papua New Guinea’s government and international climate change circles, with many calling for accountability and transparency in the country’s climate change efforts. The investigation is ongoing, with further charges likely to be laid against those involved in the corruption scandal.

Conclusion

The corruption scandal at Papua New Guinea’s Climate Change and Development Authority highlights the need for strong governance and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power and misappropriation of public funds. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how this scandal will impact the country’s efforts to combat climate change.