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 charged him with one count of bribery.
The allegations state that between March 1, 2017, and June 30, 2017, while Ali was employed as the Regional Engineer Bulk at WAF, he accepted an advantage in the form of a return air ticket to Sydney, Australia, valued at $1,430.60 from Fiji Airways. This advantage was purportedly paid by Sphynx Solutions Pte Limited on March 21, 2017, for actions performed in his role as a public servant.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou reviewed submissions from both sides and concluded that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case against Ali. The defense attorney requested additional time to gather further instructions from Ali to clarify the next steps in the case.
The hearing has been adjourned until September 19 for further discussion.