The Magistrates Court has determined that Mohammed Shafraaz Ali, a former senior engineer with the Water Authority of Fiji, faces charges related to corruption. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has accused him of bribery.
The allegations suggest that between March 1, 2017, and June 30, 2017, while serving as Regional Engineer Bulk at WAF, Ali accepted a benefit in the form of a return air ticket to Sydney, Australia, valued at $1,430.60. This advantage was paid by Sphynx Solutions Pte Limited on March 21, 2017, in exchange for performing duties related to his public service role.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou considered arguments from both sides and concluded that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed. The defense attorney requested additional time to gather more instructions from Ali to clarify the next steps in the legal process. The case has been adjourned and is scheduled for mention on September 19.