The Suva Magistrate’s Court has found a man guilty of bribery in a recent ruling. Mohammed Shahfraaz Ali, who served as the Regional Engineer Bulk for the Water Authority of Fiji, faced charges related to accepting an illegal advantage. Specifically, he accepted a round-trip ticket to Sydney valued at AUS $1430.60 from Sphynix Solutions Pty Ltd on March 21, 2017.
During the proceedings, FICAC lawyer Joshua Prasad represented the prosecution, while Ali’s defense was led by lawyer Joji Cakau. Magistrate Jeremaia Savou concluded that the prosecution established its case convincingly, resulting in Ali’s conviction on the bribery charge.
Moving forward, FICAC has been instructed to submit sentencing recommendations by December 31, while the defense is required to provide mitigating arguments by January 21 of the following year. The sentencing for Ali is scheduled for February 14, 2025.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within Fiji, reflecting a commitment to uphold legal and ethical standards in public service. The forthcoming sentencing provides an opportunity for justice to be served while also emphasizing the importance of accountability among officials.
In summary, the conviction of Mohammed Shahfraaz Ali exemplifies the legal system’s active role in addressing issues of bribery and corruption, which is crucial for fostering integrity and trust in government institutions.
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