"MORE CORRUPT MPs TO BE ARRESTED IN COMING WEEKS" RPNGC ANTI CORRUPTION CHIEF
Investigations are in their final stages, says National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate head detective Chief Superintendent Matthew Damaru.
He confirmed that 15 members of parliament are being investigated, the latest being Maprik MP John Simon who was arrested last Friday and charged with false pretence and official corruption.
Although no names were disclosed to the Post-Courier, Chief Supt Damaru said more arrests would be made as investigators finalise their individual cases.
He said the John Simon case did not require a lot of investigation.
"If it is a simple straight forward case, it can be done very quickly but if the investigation is complex where investigators are required to travel around the country or get information from the banks for statements, it will take time," he said.
Chief Supt Damaru said in recent times, the number of cases being reported by the public has increased.
Most cases were reported by people on the streets and the general public who were directly affected by the illegal and selfish actions of their leaders.
Other cases of corruption are being reported by auditors and public servants from various government institutions, he said.
Chief Supt Damaru is calling on the general public to report any suspected or alleged illegal activities of their leaders which his directorate could investigate.
"It is not compulsory for these complaints to be in written form, however, a verbal complaint over the office counter is enough to instigate an investigation after a credibility assessment is done.
"Fraud and official corruption is a big issue in the country now. It is infecting all our systems.
"All law-abiding citizens should report with the police anyone involved in corruption.
"Many times, people don’t report corrupt activities maybe because their wantok is involved in the corruption or they are feeding off the corruption themselves, or because they fear for their safety" the director said.
Chief Supt Damaru said such cases only encourage the corruption to flourish.
SOURCE: POST COURIER