Lawyers representing the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and former finance officer Sarika Devi Raj have been granted additional time to resolve disclosure-related issues in Raj’s ongoing legal proceedings. During a recent session at Suva Magistrate’s Court, Raj sought to modify her bail conditions, specifically requesting the removal of her obligation to regularly report to the FICAC office.
Raj faces serious allegations of fraud, having reportedly engaged in actions that led to an improper gain of $182,404.99 between September 20, 2019, and June 19, 2020. She is accused of not disclosing her status as the sole proprietor of Maleka Investment, a vendor for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which allegedly compromised the interests of the RFMF.
In the court, Raj’s attorney, Mohammed Saneem, argued that FICAC misled the court regarding the execution of a search warrant, asserting that relevant documents requested by the RFMF’s legal director had not been adequately provided. He raised pivotal questions regarding the authority in this case, challenging whether the RFMF or the court held precedence.
FICAC lawyer Lavinia Ravuikadavu refuted the claim of misleading the court, clarifying that while FICAC executed the search warrant, they needed specific document requests from Saneem, as the RFMF had over 150 manuals and instructions. She mentioned that this position had been communicated in a letter sent to Saneem in December 2024.
Magistrate Pulekeria Low stressed the necessity of FICAC furnishing all key documents essential to their case, given that they are the charging party. Consequently, Saneem has been allotted 14 days to submit a further application to FICAC, after which FICAC will have an additional 14 days to respond with the requested documents. Both parties are expected to return to court on January 23.
This ongoing case exemplifies the complexities of legal proceedings surrounding corruption allegations and highlights the judicial system’s commitment to maintain transparency and due process. As both sides address these challenges, it presents a hopeful outlook for accountability and justice within Fiji, reflecting the importance of resolving these issues fairly and thoroughly.
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