Fraud office to probe K3 million yoga deal

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THE National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate will investigate a complaint lodged against National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop over a K3 million contract that includes yoga lessons in the city.
Chief Superintendent Mathew Damaru yesterday received the complaint by Madang MP Bryan Kramer alleging that Parkop had authorised the payment of K3 million to a foreign-owned company for yoga lessons.
“This matter is now a subject of investigations and we will have the complaint registered and normal investigation process will take place from here on. And the outcome of the investigation will be based on what we have uncovered,” Damaru said.
Kramer said Parkop had challenged him in Parliament to lodge a complaint with the fraud squad and the Ombudsman Commission.
“So I have acted on that challenge and am now filing a complaint,” Krammer said.
Parkop welcomed the investigation yesterday.
“He (Kramer) appears so obsessed by this Walk For Life Programme (yoga is included in it) and funding which we have spent for the stated purpose and fully acquitted for,” Parkop said.
“As far as I’m concerned this is just a publicity stunt for himself to reinforce his populist image.
“He wants to cover up for the misleading questions he had raised in Parliament.
“We have followed all procedures to award the contract and also all funds have been used for intended purposes and fully acquitted. So there is no fraud committed.
“His complaint about the foreign certificate issue is an Investment Promotion Authority matter and not a fraud or criminal matter.
“Nevertheless, I welcome the investigation as I’m confident that they will find nothing.”