By Vasinatta Yama, EM TV – Port Moresby
Suspended Director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate, Matthew Damaru, is concerned that the temporary closure of the fraud office will affect both fraud cases that are currently under investigation, and those that are before the courts.
He also said the complainants in these matters will also be affected.
Damaru told the media outside today that there are over 1,000 cases that are under investigation.
The alleged misappropriation cases add to a combined total of K1.6 billion.
Damaru’said they are finding it hard to bring witnesses to court as all files are currently locked up.
Despite assurances from Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, that investigations could continue as per normal, Damaru refuted this statement.
Damaru’said that investigators will have to go through the cases again and understand these well enough before further action can be taken, which will take time and is also quite costly.
Meanwhile, all fraud members were summoned as of last night to appear at the Commission of Inquiry, and to answer to the Police Commissioner over various matters.
