Auckland, New Zealand: An experienced fraud investigator, Sophia H Pretrick, has joined the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) as a program director who will be based in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
Ms Pretrick was most recently a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Transnational Organised Crime Program Officer. As the UNODC focal point for the north Pacific, Ms Pretrick’s role over the last 2 years included enhancing partnerships with member states and building awareness of emerging transnational crime trends.
This experience followed more than 20 years working as an investigator in various government audit offices around Micronesia. Ms Pretrick also led an integrity unit that investigated instances of fraud and identify theft relating to COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims for the FSM Department of Finance and Administration.
PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa, is pleased that Ms Pretrick has joined PASAI’s cohort of program directors.
“With more than 20 years of experience in transnational crime, audit and public fraud investigations, Sophia’s skillset will strengthen the capacity of our member offices that conduct investigations and fraud awareness briefings,” she said.
In 2021, the United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, awarded Ms Pretrick with an International Anti-Corruption Champions Award in recognition of her tireless work to combat corruption and fight for accountability. This acknowledged her grassroots fraud awareness work and lead role in investigating high-profile cases that have led to criminal convictions.
In joining PASAI, Ms Pretrick expressed an eagerness to build on the legacy of her predecessor in the north Pacific-based Program Director role, former Guam Public Auditor, Doris Flores Brooks.
“I’m excited to support audit offices in their roles combatting and curbing corruption. Many Pacific Island nations pay a high price for government fraud, mismanagement and waste so I’m passionate about the independent role audit offices can play in investigating public complaints, anonymous tips and financial irregularities.
“Strong, independent audit offices are pillars of integrity that enhance public trust in government when they can operate effectively within a functional system,” she said.
Ms Pretrick has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Park University in Missouri, USA and has a Master of Fraud and Financial Crime from Charles Sturt University in Australia. She has been a Certified Fraud Examiner since 2003.
PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
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Contact information:
Esther Lameko-Poutoa, Chief Executive PASAI, Auckland, New Zealand
E: secretariat@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275
PDF version of this media release
Sophia H Pretrick
