Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (5 December 2020): Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu

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FIJI:

TLTB Employees, Businessman on Bribery Charge Front Court. Two senior staff members from the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) and a businessman charged with numerous counts of bribery, appeared at the Labasa Magistrates Court

https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/03/tltb-employees-businessman-on-bribery-charge-front-court/

FICAC Petition of Appeal Filed. A petition of appeal was today filed in the case regarding the acquitted former employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs charged with corruption related offences. 

https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/01/ficac-petition-of-appeal-filed/

 

PNG:

Basil referred to PNG Corruption Watchdog.  The Ombudsman Commission advises that it has referred Hon Sam Basil MP, Member for Bulolo Open, Member, Morobe Provincial Assembly to the Public Prosecutor for alleged misconduct in office.

https://news.pngfacts.com/2020/12/basil-referred-to-png-corruption.html

Papua New Guinea embroiled in ongoing political turmoil. The government of Papua New Guinea (PNG), led by Prime Minister James Marape, has plunged into turmoil after the defection of over a dozen MPs to the opposition.

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/11/28/pnga-n28.html

Former PNG PM to stand trial over generators purchase. Papua New Guinea's former Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, has been committed to stand trial for charges of Misappropriation and Official Corruption.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/431945/former-png-pm-to-stand-trial-over-generators-purchase

 

VANUATU:

Vanuatu PM testifies against his predecessor. Vanuatu's Prime minister, Bob Loughman, has appeared as a prosecution witness in the bribery, corruption and perjury trial of his predecessor, Charlot Salwai.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/432081/vanuatu-pm-testifies-against-his-predecessor

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