Highway fraud claims probed

By JAMES APA GUMUNO
KUNDIAWA police are investigating fraud cases involving K64 million for road payment to villagers in the province for the Highlands Highway rehabilitation.
Provincial police commander Chief Supt Jimmy Onopia told The National yesterday many people, who did not own houses near the road, allegedly bribed valuers and walked away with substantial amounts of money through fraudulent claims.
Supt Onopia said some people, whose houses valued less, received more money through bribery.
“I want to call on the people of Simbu to come forward and report to the police if they know of anybody receiving such money so we can punish them accordingly,” he said.
Supt Onopia said the police knew of some people and were now investigating the fraud claims and would soon make arrests.
He said police had evidence that some people received more than K100,000 through fraudulent claims.
Supt Onopia said a high profile figure in Kundiawa, who allegedly received K151,000 through such a claim, was arrested and charged by police last week.
He said this person had already appeared before the District Court but his case was adjourned.
Supt Onopia appealed to the general public to contact the fraud squad on 735 1319, his office on 735 1056 or fax information on 735 1148 if they had details about such claims.
He said they would not disclose their identity.
Supt Onopia said whatever information they receive would be treated as confidential.
An officer working with the Ombudsman Commission in the Highlands region office in Mt Hagen said they received information and were still collecting more regarding the road payments.

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