Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (5 August 2017): Fiji, PNG, Tonga

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These updates are provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Anti-Corruption Project for Southeast Asia, and the joint UNODC - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, with support of the Australian Government.
FIJI:
Nearly a thousand traders charged with non-compliance.
In the last financial year, 938 traders were taken to task for cheating customers by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission.
http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/53117/938-traders-taken-to-task-for-non-compliance
Woman Linked To $560K Probe.  A 53-year-old former Fijian citizen in Australia on domestic duties wired FJ$560,000 to her bank account in Fiji over time, it has been revealed.
http://fijisun.com.fj/2017/08/01/woman-linked-to-560k-probe/
FICAC withdraw charges against Dhansukh Lal Bhika.  FICAC has decided to withdraw the charges against former Naboro Mart Limited Manager, Dhansukh Lal Bhika.
http://fijivillage.com/news-feature/FICAC-decides-to-withdraw-charges-against-Dhansukh-Lal-Bhika-r2s9k5
NBF cost Fiji $650 million.  The fall of the National Bank of Fiji (NBF) cost the country $650 million (US$322 million).

http://pina.com.fj/index.php?p=pacnews&m=read&o=607940773597fad3d9668ef316dff5
Ganesh Chand trial date set for next July.  The trial date of former Fiji National University Vice Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand has been set for 16th to the 27th July 2018.
http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/52963/ganesh-chand-trial-date-set-for-next-july
OAG finds breach.  TheOffice of the Auditor-General has recommended the Health Ministry ensure contracts are signed before indents/purchase orders and payments are processed.
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=410175

PNG:
Call for PNG MPs to set up anti-corruption commission.  An advocacy group in Papua New Guinea has launched a petition calling on newly elected MPs to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption within 100 days of taking office.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201852826/call-for-png-mps-to-set-up-anti-corruption-commission

TONGA:
Investigation launched into missing cyclone funds in Tonga.  The Prime Minister has ordered an investigation into over US$600,000 worth of missing money that was meant to go towards cyclone recovery.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/336371/investigation-launched-into-missing-cyclone-funds-in-tonga

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact the team members:
Maria Adomeit, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, maria.adomeit@unodc.org
Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org
Luisa Senibulu, Governance Programme Associate, UNDP/UNODC, luisa.senibulu@undp.org
Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

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