Faces multiple charges of official corruption
POLICE Task Force Janus yesterday arrested and charged the suspended Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Henry Murray with multiple counts of official corruption.
Murray’s wife was also arrested and charged with multiple counts of false pretences.
The couple will appear in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court today on those counts.
Police will allege Murray approved multiple payments for motor vehicle hire to a company registered to his wife and himself.
“The value of the payments is in excess of $1.1 million,” a police statement said.
Commissioner of Police, Matthew Varley acknowledges the efforts of Task Force JANUS and assistance of members of the Internal Audit Office of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
“Government employees charged with the responsibilities under the Public Financial Management legislation are duty bound to ensure payments made with Solomon Islands Government funds are made honestly and transparently with due regard to the right processes and procedures,” Mr Varley said.
Murray becomes the second permanent secretary in recent times to be charged for awarding contracts to companies owned by family members.
Edmond Sikua, former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Police and National Security, is also facing corruption charges relating to similar offences.
Murray, who was appointed to the top job by the Sogavare government, was given his suspension orders early this month.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
