The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) says it is considering further legal action following a District Court ruling that dismissed criminal charges against former Kandep MP Don Polye.
In a statement released yesterday, ICAC confirmed it had received the ruling delivered by Magistrate Paul Nii in the Waigani District Court and is now assessing its legal options, including filing a judicial review in the National Court.
Related news: https://news.pngfacts.com/2025/09/wife-of-former-png-state-minister-don.html
ICAC said it would also consult with the Office of the Public Prosecutor to determine the appropriate course of action to advance prosecution efforts.
“As the matter remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings and consideration, ICAC will not make any further comments at this time,” the commission said in the statement approved for release by Acting Deputy Commissioner Operations, retired Judge Ellenas Batari.
The ruling follows a decision by the Waigani Committal Court yesterday (Tuesday) to dismiss charges against Polye after finding insufficient evidence to commit the matter to the National Court for trial.
According to reports from the court proceedings, the charges included attempting to pervert the course of justice, conspiracy-related allegations and official corruption.
The case stems from an ICAC investigation launched in late 2025 involving allegations linked to more than K1.7 million belonging to the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation.
Polye was arrested and charged by ICAC and later released on K50,000 bail under conditions imposed by the District Court.
At the time of his arrest, Polye became one of the most prominent political figures investigated under ICAC’s anti-corruption mandate.
The commission was established under Papua New Guinea’s Constitution to investigate and combat corrupt conduct involving public officials and the misuse of public resources.
Polye, a former deputy prime minister and long-serving politician, has previously held senior ministerial portfolios including finance, treasury, foreign affairs and higher education.