17 Jul 2003

Jimmy Maladina finally returns to PNG to answer fraud allegation

3:26 pm on 17 July 2003

The former chairman of the Papua New Guinea's National Provident Fund, Jimmy Maladina, has been released into the custody of his brother, the Agriculture Minister, Moses Maladina.

Maladina returned to PNG yesterday to answer allegations of fraud in relation to the Fund.

It came after a lengthy battle to get him to return to face questioning, but he was stopped from leaving Brisbane because a legal wrangle over his family trust fund.

He was questioned by police for four hours before being released into his brother's custody - more police questioning is expected today.

Mr Maladina says he has returned to PNG to clear his good name.