University of Papua New Guinea official charged in K600,000 fraud scheme

A former Acting and Deputy Bursar of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has been arrested and charged in connection with a large-scale financial fraud and cybercrime scheme.

According to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD), the suspect allegedly used unauthorized access to the University Student Information System and the accounting system between 2018 and 2021. Investigators claim the suspect executed 20 fraudulent transfers totaling K602,785.

The scheme involved recruiting student intermediaries to facilitate the fraudulent registration of 194 students for the 2021 academic semester. An internal audit confirmed the university suffered losses of K445,860. Consequently, the University Council approved the de-registration of the 194 affected students.

Additional allegations include the manipulation of fee credits, including government grants, to credit non-qualifying accounts and the facilitation of unauthorized degree certifications. The suspect was apprehended following an investigation that began in May 2024.