The Magistrates Court has determined that Mohammed Shafraaz Ali, a former senior engineer at the Water Authority of Fiji, will face charges related to corruption. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has charged him with one count of bribery. It is alleged that between March 1 and June 30, 2017, while serving as Regional Engineer Bulk, Ali accepted a benefit in the form of a $1430.60 return air ticket to Sydney, Australia, from Fiji Airways.
The advantage was provided by Sphynx Solutions Pte Limited on March 21, 2017, in return for actions taken in his role as a public servant. Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou considered arguments from both sides and ruled that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed. The defense attorney requested additional time to gather further instructions from Ali to clarify the next steps. The case is scheduled to resume on September 19 for further discussion.