Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended Minister for Police Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr, Police Commissioner David Manning, and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for their decisive action following the conviction of former Deputy Finance Secretary Jacob Yafai, describing the move as a crucial turning point in the national fight against corruption.
Prime Minister Marape said the conviction now gives police full authority and momentum to trace every kina of the stolen K41.8 million, and to expand financial investigations across all related cases of public fund abuse.
“I commend the Police Minister and the Commissioner for stepping up to trace the money trails. They don’t need to look far — start with the payments made from the Department of Finance. Legitimate payments will show genuine work done; illegitimate ones where work hasn’t happened must result in arrests,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He emphasised that this case must mark the beginning of a broader, sustained financial investigation into all suspicious government payments, not only within the Finance Department but across public offices.
“We’ve had enough inquiries — the Finance Inquiry and many others have already revealed where corruption took place. Pick up those reports, establish a dedicated team, and act. I am happy that we now have international expertise in the Fraud and Anti- Corruption Directorate — it’s time to get to work,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Marape said the RPNGC’s Asset Restraint and Recovery Working (ARROW) Group — comprising the Fraud Directorate, the Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit (FASU), and the Office of the Public Prosecutor — must act swiftly to ensure that all ill-gotten wealth is identified, seized, and returned to the people.
“Following the money trail is not difficult. Illegal funds always end up in someone’s account or in their assets. We must make full recovery of stolen public money,” he said.
“This country must be one where people earn honestly — not by abusing their offices or squandering government funds meant for the people.”
The Prime Minister also cautioned against delays, warning that financial evidence becomes harder to trace over time.
“The longer you wait, the more the data disappears. The police must move now. I expect a dedicated financial crimes section within the Police Force focusing solely on funds spent by public office holders,” he said.
As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence, Prime Minister Marape said the greatest gift that public servants and leaders can give to the nation is integrity, honesty, and respect for the law.
“At our 50th anniversary, the greatest gift our public office holders can give to Papua New Guinea is to ensure there is no misuse of public funds,” he said. “Follow the laws in procurement, use public money properly, and serve with integrity. That alone will build a stronger nation for the next 50 years.”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his Government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, saying the conviction of Yafai should serve as a warning to anyone who misuses public funds.
“No one is above the law. The people’s money must serve the people — not personal interests. We will continue strengthening our institutions to ensure that corruption has no place in our country,” he concluded.