Tiensten to appear in court on Friday

By ADRIAN MATHIAS
POMIO MP Paul Tiensten faces fraud-related charges when his trial begins on Friday in the Waigani National Court.
There are two categories.
The first includes misappropriation, official corruption, obtaining mo­ney by false pretences and money laundering.
The charges relate to the misappropriation of K3.4 million earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Karlai plantation in East Pomio, East New Britain province.
Police alleged that the cheque for the amount was released on March 22, 2009 but he withheld it for nearly 10 months.
It was payable to Nesu Investment Ltd who manage the plantation.
Between Nov 16 and 23, 2009, Tiensten was alleged to have issued directives to change the payee from Nesu Investment Ltd to Polport Services Ltd.
He is the director of the company.
The second category includes misappropriation, money laundering, abuse of public office and conspiracy to defraud the state.
The charges relate to the diversion of K10 million to businessman and owner of Travel Air Ere­mas Wartoto.
Police alleged that Tiensten authorised the payment of the K10 million, earmarked for subsidising airfreight for the airline companies operating in areas not serviced by Air Niugini.
It is alleged that the processing did not go through the proper procedure.
Tiensten appeared yesterday with his lawyer before Justice Penuel Mogish.