Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has announced that almost 200 million Kina has been frozen in bank accounts as part of an investigation into one of the country’s most serious cases of fraud.
The Asset Restraint and Recovery Working Group (ARROW), working under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2022, has successfully frozen 198.8 million Kina across multiple bank accounts relating to the matter.
“This is the largest amount ever frozen by Police, together with the Office of the Public Prosecutor and the Bank of Papua New Guinea Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit (FASU),” Commissioner Manning confirmed.
“Police allege this staggering amount of money is the proceeds of criminal activity that has been defrauded from the people of Papua New Guinea.
“The bottom line is that the alleged criminals can no longer access this money, cannot send it offshore or attempt to launder it in any way as the money is effectively locked up.
“With this matter is now before the Courts, details of the suspect parties cannot be released at this time.
Needless to say, the work of investigators will continue to bring to justice those responsible for this substantial theft.
“With the successful freezing of these stolen funds by ARROW, law enforcement agencies will present a compelling case for this money to be returned to the rightful owners and those involved sent to prison.
“This is theft on a massive scale that has stolen money from some of our most remote
communities.
“The investigation has taken some years due to the complexity of the matters involved but the RPNGC are committed to removing stolen funds from criminals and bringing to justice those who seek to steal from our people
“I commend the leadership of the National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate in relentiessly pursing the investigation, alongside the Office of the Public Prosecutor and I thank them for their dedication to task.
“Through ARROW, Police and other law enforcement agencies are co-cooperating on a scale that has never been seen before and we are tracking down, freezing and returning proceeds of crime.”
Further information on this matter will be released at an appropriate time.
ARROW is operated by specialist officers from the RPNGC National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate, the Bank of PNG Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit, and the Office of the Public Prosecutor.