PNG Investment Promotion Authority Transfers Powers to Bougainville Government

Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning announced the arrest of two foreign nationals allegedly involved in data espionage, fraud, and financial crimes in the country. The suspects, both Romanian passport holders, were apprehended on January 2 in Port Moresby.

According to Manning, the suspects, aged 40 and 26, were arrested at the Kennedy Estate following an investigation by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s (RPNGC) Transnational Crime Unit. "International criminals cross borders and use technology to exploit vulnerabilities in our communities. The victims of these crimes are hardworking Papua New Guineans," Manning stated in a press release on Sunday.

Police Commissioner David Manning 

The Commissioner revealed that the arrests stemmed from the use of sophisticated credit and debit card skimming devices, card cloning activities, and the theft of substantial sums of money. The alleged misappropriation reportedly exceeds K10 million. Manning confirmed that authorities have begun the complex task of tracing the stolen funds. Items seized during the arrest included passports, cash, card skimming and cloning devices, blank and reprogrammed cards, and a computer.

Manning emphasized that the matter is now before the courts, limiting the details that can be disclosed publicly. However, he highlighted the broader challenges posed by international crime syndicates. "These are organized criminals who exploit technology and travel, engage with domestic criminals, and abuse the hospitality of communities," he said.

The Commissioner also stressed the impact of such crimes on local citizens. "The money stolen came from the accounts of hardworking Papua New Guineans. We remain vigilant against the threat of transnational criminal syndicates," Manning added.

This case underscores the increasing challenge of combatting transnational organized crime, which continues to exploit vulnerabilities in PNG and across the globe.

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PNG Investment Promotion Authority Transfers Powers to Bougainville Government