Police in West New Britain (WNB) Province have arrested and charged a senior provincial official following allegations of Abuse of office and Misappropriation by the West New Britain Provincial Administration.
The Accused, Phillip Taubuso of Lolobau Island in the Nakanai District of WNB was Deputy Administrator Cooperate Services when the offences were committed between the 20th of June, 2020 and 30th of January this year.
According to reports by Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Barkie stated that he used his position to swindle funds purposely for purchasing gifts for the outgoing Provincial Administrator, Williamson Hosea but diverted for his own personal use.
“The payments were made payable to KBSA Hardware Kimbe and BNBM Kimbe, K70, 000 belonging to the WNB Government. The Accused is now being arrested and charged for 2x counts of Abuse of Office under section 92 (2) of the Criminal Code Act and 1x count Misappropriation.”
The Report stated that the Accused is a senior Public Servant for 38 years, but failed to adhere to the Public Finance Management Act and other Laws Governing the usage of Public Funds.