The Magistrates Court has determined that Mohammed Shafraaz Ali, a former senior engineer with the Water Authority of Fiji, will face charges related to corruption. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has charged Ali with one count of bribery.
The allegations state that between March 1, 2017, and June 30, 2017, while working as the Regional Engineer Bulk at the WAF, Ali accepted a benefit in the form of a Fiji Airways return ticket valued at $1,430.60 to Sydney, Australia. This advantage was reportedly paid to him by Sphynx Solutions Pte Limited on March 21, 2017, in exchange for performing a task in his official capacity as a public servant.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou reviewed the arguments from both sides and concluded that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed. The defense requested additional time to gather further instructions from Ali, which would enable them to clarify their position for future proceedings.
The case has been adjourned until September 19 for further mention.