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. He is accused of one count of bribery as per 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 at WAF, Ali accepted a benefit in the form of a return air ticket to Sydney, Australia, valued at $1430.60 from Fiji Airways. This advantage was paid to him by Sphynx Solutions Pte Limited on March 21, 2017, for actions taken in his role as a public servant.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou reviewed submissions from both sides and ruled that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed against Ali. The defense requested additional time to seek further instructions from the accused to clarify their position regarding the next steps.
The case has been postponed until September 19 for further mention.