18 Aug 2020

Bougainville finance minister to face corruption trial

10:07 am on 18 August 2020
Bougainville caretaker Finance Minister, Robin Wilson

Bougainville caretaker Finance Minister, Robin Wilson Photo: EMTV

Bougainville's caretaker Finance Minister Robin Wilson is to stand trial in the Papua New Guinea National Court on four charges of corruption.

The National newspaper reported that Buka magistrate Bruce Tasikul said Wilson allegedly misappropriated $US43,000 in public funds in 2015, in his role as mining minister.

The paper said an internal audit reportedly showed Wilson authorised payment to a local firm for the purchase of water tanks for his Terra constituency.

But it's alleged he then sought payment from the company to settle personal debts.

The money came from a budget for building houses for the Terra Council of Elders.

Police said the water tanks were never purchased.