The Magistrates Court has determined that Mohammed Shafraaz Ali, a former senior engineer at the Water Authority of Fiji, must answer to corruption-related charges. He faces a bribery charge brought by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
It is alleged that between March 1, 2017, and June 30, 2017, while serving as the Regional Engineer Bulk, Ali accepted a benefit in the form of a $1,430.60 Fiji Airways return ticket to Sydney, Australia. The ticket was provided by Sphynx Solutions Pte Limited on March 21, 2017, as compensation for actions he took in his role as a public servant.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou reviewed the arguments from both sides and concluded that there is sufficient evidence for the accused to answer the charges. The defense counsel requested additional time to obtain further instructions from Ali to clarify the next steps in the case. The matter has been scheduled for a mention on September 19.