Cases worth millions

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE value of the fraud cases before police investigators is K415.5 million from a total of 651 cases in two years received by the National Fraud and Anti-Directorate, says director Det Chief Supt Matthew Damaru.
He said the investigations were ongoing and were part of 164 cases before fraud officers.
Chief Supt Damaru said four members of Parliament and three heads of departments were being investigated.
“Only two sitting members are facing court, their cases are from 2019-2020,” he said.
Chief Supt Damaru said no money had so far been recovered from the investigations.
Police Minister William Onglo told The National that the work being done by the Fraud Directorate was important.
He said for both the years 2020 and 2021, cases under investigation were at 522, with a total of 129 cases closed due to arrests being made, assessments had been done on the cases and a lack of evidence against the suspects was found.
“From the 129 cases, in 2020, 104 were closed with 34 arrests made,” he said.
“From 25 cases closed in 2021, 18 arrests have been made.
“In monetary value, in 2020 from the 487 cases received the value of the monies allegedly misappropriated was K187.4 million.
“In 2021, 164 cases were received, the monies allegedly misappropriated was at K228.1 million.”
Onglo added that the constabulary was doing its job despite challenges hindering it.
“The Marape-led government is addressing the core issues of policing and we are looking toward to ensuring we have addressed issues of infrastructure, manpower and logistical support to improve policing,” he said.