In Papua New Guinea – one of the poorest countries in the world – more than 280 luxury cars are missing after the first international summit history. Three months after a major Asia-Pacific summit in November, the Pacific State police are looking for many vehicles specifically purchased for them.
Dennis Corcoran, head of the department, appealed on Wednesday to all unlawful owners to return the expensive cars immediately. „Anyone who has illegally appropriated state property is arrested and charged.“
For the summit in the capital Port Moresby Papua New Guinea had ordered numerous new cars abroad. Among them were next to luxury SUVs of various manufacturers and 40 Maserati Quattroporte – a very eye-catching, four-door sedan of the Italian luxury brand. The purchase caused a lot of criticism last year. According to the police, although all 40 Maserati were returned now – this did not happen in 284 other cars.
Corruption in Papua New Guinea is widespread
It is believed that many cars are now privately used. A police spokesman told dpa on Wednesday: „We are still investigating. We do not know exactly where the cars are. „Heads of State and Government from more than 20 countries, including China, Russia and the US, had attended the Asian-Pacific Economic Community (Apec) Summit.
Papua New Guinea – a country of about eight million inhabitants – is one of the poorest countries in the world despite its many natural resources. It is the third largest island nation after Indonesia and Madagascar in terms of area. Corruption is widespread. In the United Nations Development Index, a world-wide comparison, Papua New Guinea ranks at 153rd position.
