PNG Customs register 28 fraudulent cases

Papua New Guinea Customs, has registered a total of 28 fraudulent cases related to its operations in the country.

These cases related to the unlawful removal of imports from Customs control, through forgery and altering of Customs system-generated documents, like declaration and receipts.

Chief Commissioner, Ray Paul, spoke of this in Port Moresby, today.

Since February this year, Customs have carried out investigations with the help from police and have registered 28 cases related to unlawful removal of cargoes.

Out of that 10 people have been either detained or arrested, with five already behind bars awaiting trial.

Chief Commissioner Ray Paul said growing number of cases is a concern.

The unlawfully removed imports includes cooking oil, graders, backhoes, vehicles and other items.

The Chief Commissioner said, despite facing a serious men power shortage and resources, PNG Customs, with the assiatnce of Police, remain committed to ensuring those involved in these illegal activities be brought to justice under Customs Act.

So far customs have lost more then 1 million kina through this fraudulent cases.

Meantime, PNG Customs is appealing to the business houses and individuals to be wary of whom they deal with to remove their cargoes from the wharfs.

Ray Paul said importers must be careful when engaging Customs brokers, as there is a syndicate involving Customs Officials, Ports workers, shipping agents and others. PNG Facts/NBC