PNG Struggles to Exit Grey List Due to Weak Money Laundering Enforcement: Marape
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has blamed weak enforcement and poor prosecution of money laundering cases for the country’s continued presence on the international grey list, saying it has nothing to do with terrorism financing.
Speaking after a high-level meeting of key law enforcement and financial agencies, the Prime Minister said PNG has failed to show a united and visible response against illicit financial activities, despite repeated warnings from international watchdogs.
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| PNG Struggles to Exit Grey List Due to Weak Money Laundering Enforcement: Marape |
He said the lack of coordination among institutions responsible for monitoring, investigating and prosecuting money laundering has slowed PNG’s efforts to be removed from the grey list, placing pressure on the country’s financial credibility.
“Papua New Guinea is not known internationally for financing terrorism, but we have not demonstrated a firm and effective fight against money laundering,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The meeting, coordinated by the Chief Secretary, brought together the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Ombudsman Commission, the Bank of Papua New Guinea, the Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit, the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, and other relevant agencies.
Prime Minister Marape told the agencies that they must operate as a single gatekeeping system to block illegal money flows and hold offenders accountable.
“I have tasked all agencies to work together — police, ICAC, the Ombudsman Commission, the Central Bank and financial institutions — to stop money laundering taking place in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
He directed investigators to focus closely on public financial transactions, particularly funds released through the Department of Finance and Treasury.
“If you do not know where to start, start with all Section 32 officers and designated officers,” he said.
The Prime Minister said Section 32 officers are spread across national departments, provincial administrations, districts, schools, health authorities, boards, universities and colleges, making it essential that public funds are traced and properly accounted for.
He also pointed to district-level spending as an immediate area for action, naming Tari-Pori District as an example.
“In the first one or two weeks of 2026, if you do not know where to begin, start by examining disbursements and investments in Tari-Pori District,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape warned that economic growth plans would fail if corruption and illegal financial practices continue to benefit a few individuals.
“My strong direction is clear: police, ICAC, the Ombudsman Commission, the Central Bank and the banks must work together to stop illegal money transactions in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
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