AN AUSTRALIAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED in Papua New Guinea during a corruption investigation into the PNG planning department.
Officers from Task Force Sweep arrested Timothy Rowland, general manager of Sarakolok West Transport, on New Britain yesterday.
The 49-year-old has been charged with several offences including uttering, false pretence and conspiracy to defraud.
The company allegedly tried to extort $4.5 million from the Manus provincial government by selling it a boat that had already been paid for by the National Planning Department.
Sarakolok is owned by businessman Eremas Wartoto, who was last year charged with misappropriating $3 million earmarked for a high school renovation.
Both Mr Wartoto and Rowland, who has been released on bail, declined to comment.
Source: ABC / Liam Fox
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