A former accountant at the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and his partner were held in custody overnight as they await a decision on bail today. Pawan Deo and Subhashni Mudaliar appeared before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza yesterday, facing charges of conspiracy to defraud, obtaining a gain, and obtaining a financial advantage.
The allegations suggest that while Deo served as FRU’s financial accountant and both were the sole proprietors of Sports Supplies Limited (SSL), they conspired to fraudulently obtain $53,788.75 from FRU between February 1 and July 31, 2022. Additionally, between February 1 and May 11, 2022, they allegedly facilitated illicit payments to SSL, acquiring $7,291.83 for the company despite its ineligibility to receive the funds.
During the court proceedings, the charges were presented in English, and both accused opted to represent themselves. FICAC prosecutor Mary Takinana indicated no objection to bail but requested certain conditions be placed on the couple. Magistrate Hamza decided to keep the couple in custody until their sureties present in court today.