The trial for former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu is scheduled to take place in February of next year. Ravu faces charges alongside former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi. This morning, Ravu appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou in the Suva Magistrates Court to request a bail variation to allow him to travel to China. Toaisi was absent from the proceedings due to a scheduling error.
Ravu’s case involves alleged corrupt practices related to false declarations by the FijiFirst Party, specifically concerning the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
Additional charges include a complaint against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflict of interest, as well as a complaint against Arif Ali for making a $10,000 donation to the FijiFirst Party while being a civil servant.
There are also allegations against Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh. Furthermore, Voreqe Bainimarama faces accusations of submitting false declarations of income, assets, and liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022.
Lastly, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is under scrutiny for failing to declare overseas travel allowances. According to a statement from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), investigations on other matters are still ongoing, and FICAC will refrain from commenting until these investigations are complete. FICAC emphasized its commitment to handling every complaint with the appropriate scrutiny, regardless of the individuals involved.