Papua New Guinea's Police Minister has pledged to investigate links between former prime minister Peter O'Neill and controversial security contractor Paladin.
Peter O'Neill Photo: AFP / Peter Parks
The company has been providing services to refugees on PNG's Manus Island as part of a $US360 million contract under investigation by Australia's Auditor-General .
Bryan Kramer was recently appointed minister by PNG's new prime minister James Marape who replaced Mr O'Neill in May.
The Australian Financial Review reported that Mr Kramer has identified Mr O'Neill as a central figure in patronage networks in PNG.
Mr Kramer wants a probe into any ownership links between Mr O'Neill and security firm Black Swan, which was purchased by Paladin last year.
Black Swan, which Mr Kramer is a former director of, has repeatedly denied any link with Peter O'Neill.
But the furore around Paladin winning the lucrative Manus contract without open tender has placed a fresh spotlight on the alleged link.