The Magistrates Court has determined that Mohammed Shafraaz Ali, a former senior engineer at the Water Authority of Fiji, will face trial on charges related to corruption. He is accused of one count of bribery by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
The allegations state that between March 1 and June 30, 2017, while serving as Regional Engineer Bulk at WAF, Ali accepted a benefit in the form of a return air ticket from Fiji Airways to Sydney, Australia, valued at $1430.60. The ticket was paid for by Sphynx Solutions Pte Limited on March 21, 2017, as compensation for performing an action connected to his role as a public servant.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou reviewed the arguments presented by both sides and decided that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed. The defense requested additional time to gather more instructions from Ali to clarify their next steps. The case has been adjourned to September 19 for further mention.