Category: police

Police have arrested and charged a former employee of a finance company over a coordinated internal fraud scheme that is alleged to have stolen close to K2.1 million through forged invoices, inflated quotations and collusion with accomplices.

“The National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate investigated and charged a 36-year-old former Assistant Property Manager,” Commissioner of Police, David Manning said.

“Police allege that he conspired with co-workers between January 2025 and January 2026 to create fake supplier invoices and redirect corporate payments into bank accounts controlled by the group.

“A major component of the fraud involved a separate company. which had submitted genuine invoices. Investigators established that the suspect and his accomplices generated inflated payments being paid into accounts they nominated.”

The suspect was brought to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD) in March, interviewed, and admitted to the offences. He was formally charged with:

e One count of Misappropriation (Section 383A, Criminal Code Act): and, « One count of Conspiracy to Defraud (Section 407, Cnminal Code Act). The suspect was refused police bail and is currently detained at Boroko Police Station.

Commissioner Manning said the arrest demonstrates the Constabulary’s commitment to protecting businesses from organised white-collar crime.

“This case highlights the increasing prevalence of internal fraud schemes targeting corporate entities. The Constabulary acted swiftly, and we will continue to pursue every individual involved in this conspiracy,” Manning said.

The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, yesterday welcomed New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers to Police Headquarters in Port Moresby, marking the first official visit by a New Zealand Police Commissioner to PHQ — a milestone moment in the policing partnership between the two nations.
Commissioner Manning said the visit reflects the deep and longstanding cooperation between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, particularly in support of the Bougainville Police Service, where both countries continue to work together to strengthen policing capability, leadership, and community safety.
During the meeting, the two Commissioners held highlevel discussions on some of the most pressing security challenges facing the Pacific region, including organised crime, illegal drugs, and online child sexual abuse. Both Commissioners acknowledged that these threats are increasingly sophisticated, transnational, and harmful to vulnerable communities across the region.
Commissioner Manning said the Constabulary and its regional partners must move decisively and collaboratively.
“Our region is facing serious and evolving criminal threats. Strengthening our partnerships, sharing intelligence, and building the capabilities of Pacific police forces is essential to protecting our people and safeguarding our future.”
The Commissioners agreed to enhance intelligence sharing, deepen operational cooperation, and expand joint efforts to combat serious crimes, organised criminal networks, and the trafficking of illegal drugs. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting children by improving investigative capacity and crossborder collaboration to tackle online child sexual abuse.
The Commissioners discussed the importance of effective law enforcement cooperation and examined opportunities for enhanced regional police cooperation during major events, including planning and logistics support for the 2027 National Elections.
Commissioner Manning said the visit reinforces the unity and shared purpose of Pacific policing.
“New Zealand has been a steadfast partner to PNG. Commissioner Chambers’ visit signals our collective determination to confront crime together and ensure a safer, more secure Pacific for all.”