WAPUNAI RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED GOLD SMUGGLING.

Hon Johnson Wapunai, MP, Shadow Minister for Health

Media Statement:

Hon Johnson Wapunai, MP

Shadow Minister Health

Port Moresby,

Sunday, 30th March, 2025

SHADOW Minister for Health and Ambunti-Drekikir MP Hon. Johnson Wapunai has raised concern over reports of illegal gold smuggling from Papua New Guinea to the international market predominately via flights to Hong Kong.

Mr Wapunai explained that due to the shortage of foreign exchange in country, it is understood that Chinese-owned enterprises are having issues with transferring funds to procure and purchase goods overseas.

"Because of this, Chinese-owned enterprises are allegedly purchasing gold with cash and smuggling it through Jacksons International Airport to sell in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a preferable destination for gold buying due to its 0% tax policy on imported gold making it a lucrative option," Mr Wapunai said.

"T have received reports that indicate serious allegations of collusion and bribery between National Airports Corporation (NAC) staff, customs and immigration staff and Air Niugini staff, and the individuals smuggling gold to Hong Kong.

"These compromised officials allegedly facilitate the transfer of gold during the boarding process, and in some instances, gold is smuggled into the airport by NAC staff and handed over to passengers before boarding."

Mr Wapunai revealed that he had already written to former Minister for Civil Aviation Hon. Walter Schnaubelt on March 18, but since his resignation, he will be writing again to the new minister Hon. Wake Goi.

Mr Wapunai noted that although some individuals have been apprehending by customs and immigration officials, few have been prosecuted because of bribery, and they continue to carry on with their illegal activities with impunity.

"I call on the relevant ministers and officials to seriously investigate these reports and protect PNG's laws and regulations. The end effect of this illegal practice is an unfair loss of business to local gold buyers, loss of revenue to the state, and breaches of our border security," he said.

ENDS!