Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates - Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands

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[Facilitator’s note: Thank you to Tony Prescott, Annika Wythes, Isikeli Valemei, Luisa Senibulu, and Samita Singh of the joint UNDP-UNODC Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project, for sharing these updates.]

Fiji: Methamphetamine found in chocolate cookies
Police and Customs officers have discovered drugs concealed in chocolate cookies. The amount of drugs discovered has an estimated street value of $350,000. Read the story in Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/20569/methamphetamine-found-in-chocolate-cookies

PNG watchdog sees threats
The Papua New Guinea Ombudsman Commission is under threat from other institutions that could take over its functions and responsibilities. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was singled out by the watchdog as one such organization. Read the story in Papua New Guinea Today. http://news.pngfacts.com/2014/06/png-watch-dog-under-threat.html

Top judge dismisses PNG Police Comissioner appeal
The Supreme Court dismissed the application of PNG Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga to appeal his conviction of contempt.  Commissioner Kulunga was found guilty of contempt last month for failing to follow previous court orders to re-instate former National Capital District top cop, Geoffrey Vaki, to the police force. Read the story by Cedric Patjole in PNG Loop. http://www.pngloop.com/2014/06/10/police-commissioners-appeal-conviction-dismissed/

Solomon Islands: Bobongi Case
A woman told the High Court that former Central Bank employee Philip Bobongi bought her a car. She was giving evidence during the trial of Bobongi, who was charged with 38 counts of money laundering and two counts of larceny and embezzlement. Read the story by Assumpta Buchanan in Solomon Star. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/2382-woman-bobongi-bought-me-a-car

Solomon Islands: Taiwanese to face court again
A Taiwanese national accused of attempting to export tubi logs out of the country will face the court again on June 17. Hsieh Chen Chin Fu was charged with one count of attempted export of prohibited goods. Read the story by Assumpta Buchanan in Solomon Star. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/2411-taiwanese-to-face-court-again-june-17

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