Former NIO head jailed for fraud

By CHARLES MOI
FORMER head of the National Intelligence Organisation Maika Bruno has been sentenced to three years in jail for the misappropriation of public funds totalling K91,000.
Justice David Cannings imposed the jail term on Maika Bruno, 54, from Namatanai in New Ireland, saying a deterrent sentence was warranted in the case.
“No realistic plan has been put to the court for the restitution of the funds misappropriated – K91,000,” he said.
“This is a misappropriation case. The fact that the offender is regarded as not a threat to the community is largely irrelevant.
“He has not expressed remorse. The underlying consideration is that his explanations and defences have been rejected and the State has proven that he committed two serious criminal offences involving state money.”
Cannings however said Bruno had conducted himself with dignity and respect for the court.
“He has strongly defended his actions, as is his right,” Cannings said.
Bruno is married with five children aged between 18 and 26.
He graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea in 1989 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration
Bruno served with the Defence Department and the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council before joining the NIO in 1999.
He was convicted by the National Court last month on two counts of misappropriation.
Bruno was the acting director-general of the National Intelligence Organisation when he committed the offences in November 2013.
Bruno’s mitigating factors included his long and unblemished record of public service and that he was a first offender.