Charged fraud squad boss continues work

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Papua New Guinea police say the director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate, Matthew Damaru, will continue to work while he faces charges of abuse of office.

Damaru was arrested on charges relating to his arrest of the Supreme Court judge, Sir Bernard Sakora, in April on suspicion of judicial corruption.

In a statement, the Deputy Police Commissioner, Jim Andrews, says the allegations relate to gross breaches of police procedures, as Damaru did not obtain direction from a public prosecutor.

He says Sir Bernard was also deprived of liberty in what Andrews calls his illegal detention at Boroko police station.

The case against Sir Bernard was thrown out by the National Court last week.

However, Andrews says while charges with abuse of office, Damaru remains on active duty as the director of the anti-fraud squad.

- RNZI