Basil questions police inaction

Member for Bulolo, Sam Basil Junior, has called out the incompetence of the police fraud squad, stating that its failures have contributed to Papua New Guinea’s placement on the international grey list.

Speaking in Parliament today, MP Basil Junior directed questions to Police Minister, Sir John Pundari, citing a decade-long legal battle over the Banz Club land titles and unresolved fraud allegations tied to the Goroka Show ground upgrade.

He raised the concerns on behalf of the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association, which partners with the Bulolo District Authority to supply coffee seedlings.

The member for Bulolo, Sam Basil Jnr asked why no arrests have been made over the misuse of more than K5 million intended for the Goroka Show ground upgrade.

He also highlighted police failure to arrest Lands Department officers named in a 2015 National Court ruling in Mt. Hagen, over fraudulent transfer of the Banz Club land titles.

Basil Jnr says delays in tackling fraud and corruption have contributed to Papua New Guinea’s placement on the international grey list.

"Our country can progress when we address issues of corruption and law and order and that provides stability and confidence for business and the society and foreign investors and our people." MP Basil Jnr said.

Police Minister, Sir John Pundari declined to comment on the Banz Club case, saying it remains before the courts.

He confirmed a directive will be issued to the Police Commissioner to review officers’ inaction, and assured Parliament that the Unexplained Wealth Investigation Unit has been set up to address failures of the fraud squad linked to the grey list issue.

"Thorough investigations and successful prosecutions should be the normal actions of law enforcements," Sir John said.