According to Papua New Guinea police, on the 27th local time, Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed that the police have officially received a report submitted by the current Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Andrew Forbes. The report alleges serious financial misconduct by certain senior officials within the agency.
The letter of complaint clearly states that some officials are suspected of unlawfully using public funds without proper statutory authorization, potentially violating the Public Finances (Management) Act 1995.
In addition, internal whistleblowers revealed in February this year that ICAC has been plagued by infighting among senior management, abnormally high administrative salaries, nepotism, and a lack of transparency in decision-making — practices that have deviated from the agency’s original mission of promoting integrity and combating corruption.
Papua New Guinean Member of Parliament and former Minister for Justice, Kerenga Kua, has publicly called for the immediate dismissal of current Commissioner Andrew Forbes, along with Deputy Commissioners Daniel Baulch and Graham Gill.
It is understood that the police are currently conducting a preliminary assessment of the report in accordance with established procedures, to be reviewed by the Sensitive Investigation Board for its potential criminal nature.
Commissioner Manning stated, “If the assessment finds evidence of criminal conduct, the case will be referred to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate for an independent investigation.”
As a key pillar in PNG’s anti-corruption framework, the authority and credibility of ICAC are of vital importance.
The current developments also present a crucial opportunity to strengthen the country’s mechanisms for oversight of power and the management of public funds.
