A couple has recently appeared in the Suva Magistrate Court facing allegations of corruption involving approximately $500,000. Edua Biuvuli Matai, the former Principal Accounts Officer of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with abuse of office for personal gain. His wife, Taucilagi Duri, faces charges for aiding and abetting this abuse.
The charges stem from actions taken between November 2019 and June 2022 while Matai was in a position within the civil service. It is claimed that he failed to declare his personal interest in a business called Ink Escape Supplies, which he subsequently added as a vendor for the RFMF. This action allegedly facilitated payments exceeding $467,000 to the company, undermining the rights of the RFMF.
During the court proceedings presided over by Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza, the couple was remanded due to their inability to provide the required sureties. The magistrate has instructed their legal representative to secure sureties who hold authority over the accused and are of senior age.
FICAC has not opposed the granting of bail; however, they have requested stringent conditions, including a non-cash bond of $5,000, monthly reporting to FICAC, and surrendering travel documents. The case has been adjourned for a bail hearing set for today.
It is a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in public service roles and the accountability that comes with such positions. As the legal process unfolds, there remains an opportunity for the couple to address the allegations against them and for justice to be served.
This case highlights Fiji’s ongoing commitment to combat corruption, demonstrating that breaches of trust in public office will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Through these actions, the hope is to foster a culture of transparency and ethical conduct in governance.
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