Anti corruption watchdog Transparency International is calling on Papua New Guinea's government to suspend the National Statistician Roko Koloma.
CBD of Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Mr Koloma is wanted by the police fraud squad after an audit found his office had overspent its budget for the last two years by more than $US7 million.
Transparency International said to preserve the integrity of the National Statistical Office and the National Identity Project, Mr Koloma should be suspended until the Police have completed their investigation.
The newspaper the National reported the fraud squad had been visiting the office every day for the last fortnight to question Mr Koloma, but he had not shown up to work.
On Friday last week, they returned with an arrest warrant and confiscated hired vehicles used by Mr Koloma and his staff.
Walter Bay, Port Moresby South, Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
The National said the audit found the Statistical Office had paid highly-inflated fees for goods and services including hire cars, stationery and wages.
