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. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has charged him with one count of bribery.
The allegations state that between March 1, 2017, and June 30, 2017, while serving as Regional Engineer Bulk at WAF, Ali accepted a $1,430.60 Fiji Airways return ticket to Sydney, Australia. Sphynx Solutions Pte Limited issued this ticket to Ali on March 21, 2017, as a benefit for actions taken in his role as a public servant.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou considered submissions from both sides and concluded that there is a valid case against Ali for the alleged offense. The defense counsel requested additional time to obtain further instructions from Ali, which may clarify the next steps in the case.
The proceedings have been postponed until September 19 for further mention.