17 Aug 2002

PNG Gaming Board chairman accused of misusing funds

8:34 am on 17 August 2002

The Papua New Guinea Gaming Board chairman, Alfred Daniel has been referred to the Public Prosecutor amid allegations of misuse of funds totalling more than 63-thousand US dollars.

The Public Prosecutor, Chronox Manek says he will look into the file to determine whether the claims should be investigated.

Mr Daniel says he is surprised and disappointed by his referral and he says he will contest the allegations if the matter proceeds to a leadership tribunal.

According to the case file, the Ombudsman Commission claims Mr Daniel had devised a scheme which allowed him to be paid excessive fees and to receive benefits from the Gaming Board for which he was not entitled.

The Commission claims Mr Daniel had received reimbursements for airfares, travel allowances, accomodation, vehicle hire and meal costs in Manus Province.

The businessman and former police detective is also alleged to have received reimbursements for funeral expenses and the commission says he may have even claimed reimbursesments for which he had already been paid.