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RPNGC Boosts Fraud Fighting Training

· 3 min read
Max Fischer
Forensic Accountant

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC)'s Plan to Tackle Financial Crimes​

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is increasing its efforts to combat financial crimes in Papua New Guinea. By the end of the year, almost 80 officers are set to receive specialized training in fraud and corruption investigation and prosecution.

Kokopo Training for New Guinea Islands Region Officers​

Recently, the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate within the RPNGC conducted a training course on Fraud Investigations and Prosecutions in Kokopo, East New Britain. The course was attended by 28 officers from the New Guinea Islands region, following a similar training session for 29 officers from the Southern Region in March in Port Moresby.

Quote "Our goal is to equip more officers with the skills to efficiently detect, investigate, and bring to justice individuals involved in fraud and corruption schemes."

Chief Sergeant Kila Guma

Instructor of the course

The Importance of Strengthening Officer Capacity​

According to Chief Sergeant Kila Guma, the instructor of the course, enhancing the capacity of officers to probe and prosecute complex fraud cases is a vital step in addressing the growing problem.

"This training is pivotal. Our goal is to equip more officers with the skills to efficiently detect, investigate, and bring to justice individuals involved in fraud and corruption schemes," Guma said.

Training Topics​

The training provided interactive sessions on the latest fraud trends and techniques, along with sessions on investigation planning and management, elements of offenses, file preparation, and evidence collection, as well as money laundering and proceeds of crime legislation.

An Impact on Officers​

Senior Constable Tina Nikints, a fraud investigator from East New Britain, emphasized the significance of the training for her and her colleagues:

"I am thrilled to finally receive proper training. When I joined the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Unit, I was left to learn on my own by reading old court files. I felt intimidated as I was the only lady in the unit."

Senior Constable Felicitas Mare, a police prosecutor from West New Britain, agreed:

"After this course, I will no longer have to rely on outdated knowledge. I am ecstatic about the prospect of dealing with fraud cases more effectively."

Upcoming Training: Mt Hagen​

Plans have been announced for the next training session in Mt Hagen for officers based in the Highlands region. This initiative is being supported by the Australian Government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Program.

For further information on the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary's efforts to combat financial fraud, please contact the Australian High Commission media team at +675 7090 0100.