Kombuk accused of corruption

POLICE Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that Agriculture and Livestock secretary Daniel Kombuk has been charged with official corruption, misappropriation and conspiracy on Friday.
Manning said Kombuk was picked up at the Central Government Office and taken to the Airport Police Station for interview.
The charges stem from the approval of K112,800 that was paid as reimbursement to a local company allegedly owned by Kombuk’s wife.
Members of the Special Investigation Team under the Crimes Directorate picked up Kombuk.
It was alleged that on Jan 19, Kombuk corruptly approved K112,800 to pay 32 officers to attend a programme in March in East Sepik.
It was found that there were no supporting documents to the claim.
The money came from a number of claims totalling K310,580, with K112,800 allegedly paid into the personal account of Kombuk’s wife and not the business bank account as claimed.
It is alleged that Kombuk conspired with his wife to defraud the department and use his position without due care to corruptly procure the illegal claim.
Sufficient evidence was established to charge him, police said.
Kombuk was charged with one count each of corruption, misappropriation and conspiracy.