A former accountant for the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), Pawan Deo, and his wife, Subhashni Mudaliar, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in the Suva Magistrate’s Court today. Charged with conspiracy to defraud, obtaining a financial gain, and unlawfully securing a financial advantage, the couple’s alleged offenses took place between February 1 and July 31, 2022.
The prosecution claims that Deo, who served as the financial accountant for the FRU, worked in conspiracy with Mudaliar while operating as the sole proprietors of Sports Supplies Limited (SSL). They are accused of improperly acquiring $53,788.75 from FRU. Additionally, they are alleged to have facilitated fraudulent payments that led to an unauthorized gain of $7,291.83 for SSL between February 1 and May 11, 2022, knowing the company was not eligible to receive it.
During the hearing, prosecution lawyer Ravinesh Lal confirmed that the full disclosures regarding the charges were provided to Deo and Mudaliar on November 26 of the previous year. Their attorneys stated their intention to request a reconsideration of the charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
As the couple’s bail was extended, the case has been adjourned until February 28 for further proceedings. This ongoing legal situation highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability within organizations that manage public funds, especially in the sports sector, which is under constant scrutiny for governance practices.
The outcome of this case may serve as a pivotal moment for reinforcing ethical standards within sporting organizations, hoping to bolster public trust and deter future misconduct.
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