O’Neill’s Legal Fees Under Probe
Via Loop PNG
Re-posted by Charlie Tikaro
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Investigations are being conducted into the payment of legal fees by former prime minister and Ialibu-Pangia MP, Peter O’Neill.
In a press briefing this morning, Police Minister Bryan Kramer said they are aware that up to K57 million has been paid “during the accused’s term”.
“I’ve asked for police, and I am aware that they are carrying out investigations into legal fees paid during the term of Peter O’Neill,” Kramer told reporters.
“I’ve had some discussions with the Attorney General, and to look into those matters line by line to understand how much fees were paid, and what was the basis of those fees being paid.”
Kramer further said they wish to determine whether or not those bills were taxed.
The Police Minister held a media conference this morning to respond to O’Neill’s statement alleging that the warrant of arrest against him was politically motivated.
“Many cases on high-level corruption have been basically sitting and have not been progressed. This is only one of many that are now being looked into by police.
“They will consider the evidence, and whether they will progress the matter based on evidence. Courts will issue warrants of arrest based on evidence,” the Minister stressed.
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Papua New Guinea’s inclusion on the FATF grey list highlights weaknesses in enforcement systems against financial crime. The need for stronger government coordination, transparency in company ownership, and firm anti-corruption measures to achieve removal from the list.
The Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea has called for stronger, fairer laws, warning that some current legislation may not serve the national interest. He urged lawmakers to ensure that all laws are clear, enforceable, and designed for the benefit of all citizens.
PNG’s return to the global grey list has sparked political debate, with Opposition MP James Nomane warning of rising costs, investor uncertainty, and weakened national sovereignty amid a K65 billion debt burden.
PNG grey listing is linked to weak enforcement of money laundering laws, with over 5,000 cases reportedly left unprosecuted. Experts warn that unless serious financial crimes are addressed through the legal system, the country risks remaining under international financial scrutiny.