The Auditor General, Philip Nauga was arrested and charged on Tuesday.
Director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate, Mathew Damaru confirmed that Nauga was arrested with charges of abuse of office, conspiracy to defraud, and misappropriation of 247,500 thousand kina.
The charges emanated from an allegation that two audit contracts were awarded to Frank Benabo and associates, to conduct an audit inspection on Aitapei District’s DSIP books in 20-12 at the cost of 123, 750 kina.
The other contract was awarded to Mendi District DSIP in 20-12 at the same cost as the previous contract but for a lesser period of time.
Investigations revealed that Nauga convened a meeting to approve the tenders without a tender’s brief and proper evaluation reports from the secretariat in line with standard procedures.
Based on the findings Nauga was invited to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate on Tuesday where he was interviewed than charged and taken to the Boroko police cells.
He is set to appear in court this week.
(File picture)