PM: Police will trace stolen K41.8 million

Prime Minister James Marape says the conviction of former Deputy Finance Secretary Jacob Yafai is a major step in PNG’s fight against corruption, giving police the authority to trace every kina of the K41.8 million stolen from public funds.

“I commend the police minister and the Commissioner for stepping up to trace the money trails. They don’t need to look far; start with the payments made from the Department of Finance. Legitimate payments will show genuine work done; illegitimate ones where work hasn’t happened must result in arrests,” Prime Minister Marape said.

He stressed that this case should mark the start of wider investigations into suspicious government payments, not just in the Finance Department but across all public offices.

“We’ve had enough inquiries; the Finance Inquiry and many others have already revealed where corruption took place. Pick up those reports, establish a dedicated team, and act. I am happy that we now have international expertise in the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate; it’s time to get to work,” the Prime Minister said.

The RPNGC’s Asset Restraint and Recovery Working [ARROW] Group, which includes the Fraud Directorate, the Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit [FASU], and the Office of the Public Prosecutor, must act quickly to identify, seize, and return all stolen funds.

“Following the money trail is not difficult. Illegal funds always end up in someone’s account or in their assets. We must make a full recovery of stolen public money,” he said.

“This country must be one where people earn honestly, not by abusing their offices or squandering government funds meant for the people.”

Prime Minister Marape warned against delays, saying financial evidence becomes harder to trace over time.

“The longer you wait, the more the data disappears. The police must move now. I expect a dedicated financial crimes section within the Police Force focusing solely on funds spent by public office holders,” he said.

As PNG celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary, the Prime Minister said the best gift public servants can give is honesty and respect for the law.

“At our 50th anniversary, the greatest gift our public office holders can give to Papua New Guinea is to ensure there is no misuse of public funds,” he said.

“Follow the laws in procurement, use public money properly, and serve with integrity. That alone will build a stronger nation for the next 50 years.”

Prime Minister Marape said his government has a zero-tolerance on corruption, adding the conviction of Yafai should serve as a warning to anyone who misuses public funds.

“No one is above the law. The people’s money must serve the people, not personal interests. We will continue strengthening our institutions to ensure that corruption has no place in our country,” he said.