Syndicate suspects detained

By ADRIAN MATHIAS
THREE members of a crime syndicate, believed to be prominent public servants and a businessman, were arrested yesterday and detained at Hohola police station in Port Moresby.
However, police have yet to lay charges against them.
Secretary for National Planning and Monitoring Dr Peter Kora said in a media briefing at the Hohola police station yesterday that the men were part of a crime syndicate whose leader was still at large.
“This crime syndicate has a strong network and has been stealing money from National Planning and Monitoring for over four years,” Kora said.
He said he called police following a complaint by a couple who came to his house on Sunday and told him about a K37,000 cheque that was to be raised and given to them by his department.
“The police were called in and they quickly moved in and arrested the three who are alleged members of this syndicate.”
He said the mastermind claimed to be a secretary for the department and acted as a middle man.
“About three or four public servants in the finance department and my department are collaborating with people outside and are defrauding the state and the simple people,” Kora said.
He added that people who had submitted their proposals for funding would normally get a response in writing.
“It must be a letter coming from me or my officers,” he said.
“If people come to you claiming to be officers of government departments, refrain from entertaining them.”
Hohola station first Const Moses Gene said: “We are working round the clock to have the mastermind arrested.”