Clamp down on fraudulent claims

 PRIVATE companies, individuals and law firms making claims to the state will be thoroughly checked before any payment is processed.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill reaffirmed his stand in Parliament yesterday to clamp down on fraudulent claims paid out by the Finance Department, which cost the state millions of kina.

He said in light of the recent revelation of millions of kina paid to a single law firm, other hefty claims made by other private firms and individuals would be investigated to ensure they were genuine.

O’Neill reiterated that the PNG police and Task Force Sweep would work with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Interpol to verify these claims.

He said Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc, who took charge of the Finance Department following the suspension of secretary Steven Gibson, met with the police fraud squad to begin investigations.

“All documents from the Finance and Treasury departments will be referred to the investigation team who will be assisted by AFP,” O’Neill said.