The trial date for former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu has been scheduled for February next year. Ravu is facing charges alongside former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi. He appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court this morning before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou to request a bail variation to allow him to travel to China. Toaisi was absent from the proceedings due to a scheduling error regarding the hearing date.
The charges against Ravu involve alleged corrupt practices linked to the FijiFirst Party, specifically regarding false declarations tied to Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama. Additionally, there are complaints against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflicts of interest, as well as against Arif Ali for donating $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party while being a civil servant.
Further complaints include allegations against the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh. There is also a claim against Voreqe Bainimarama for failing to accurately report his income, assets, and liabilities from 2014 to 2019 and in 2022. The fifth case involves allegations against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for not declaring his overseas travel allowance.
FICAC has stated that it is continuing its investigations into other matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections, and no comments will be made until these investigations are complete. The Commission emphasized that it operates as usual, treating every complaint with the necessary scrutiny, regardless of the individuals involved.