THE Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Major Crimes Unit has been disbanded and its personnel transferred following internal investigations into allegations of improper conduct and influence by organized crime groups.
Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed the transfer of all Major Crimes Unit officers to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) in Boroko as an immediate measure to address concerns over the integrity of the unit.
“Internal investigations indicate a systemic breakdown in integrity and command by some elements within the Major Crimes Unit,” Commissioner Manning stated.
He highlighted disturbing reports suggesting that organized criminal elements had influenced some officers’ investigatory activities, necessitating urgent action.
The decision to transfer all personnel comes in response to substantiated claims of collusion between certain officers and criminal groups.
“Reports of collusion with criminals are serious and sufficient for the movement of all personnel,” Manning added.
The transferred officers will undergo a thorough performance review led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Crimes, with findings to be presented to the RPNGC Executive Management Team.
In their place, officers from the Special Investigation Team will be transferred to the Major Crimes Unit. Under the oversight of ACP Crimes, these officers will take on new cases and continue investigations, ensuring the unit remains functional.
“To immediately halt this improper influence and reestablish a transparent, impartial and professional investigatory unit, a series of measures are implemented with immediate effect,” Manning said. He also reassured the public that while investigations are ongoing, all individuals involved will be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The future of the Major Crimes Unit will be reassessed based on the findings of the ACP Crimes report.
