Lawyers for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and Sarika Devi Raj, a former finance officer with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), have been given additional time to address disclosure issues in Raj’s ongoing legal matter. This decision was made during a recent session at Suva Magistrate’s Court, where Raj sought to amend her bail conditions, specifically asking to eliminate the requirement for her to regularly report to FICAC.

Raj is facing serious allegations of fraud, accused of executing actions that resulted in an improper gain of $182,404.99 between September 20, 2019, and June 19, 2020. It is claimed that she failed to disclose her status as the sole proprietor of Maleka Investment, which acted as a vendor for the RFMF, potentially jeopardizing RFMF’s rights.

During the court session, Raj’s attorney, Mohammed Saneem, asserted that FICAC misled the court regarding the execution of a search warrant, claiming that necessary documentation directed by the RFMF’s legal director was not adequately provided. He raised critical questions about the authority in the case, specifically whether it should rest with the RFMF or the court.

FICAC’s lawyer, Lavinia Ravuikadavu, refuted the allegation of misleading the court, clarifying that although the search warrant was executed, FICAC required specific document requests from Saneem due to the existence of over 150 manuals and instructions from RFMF. She mentioned that this request had been communicated to Saneem in a letter dated December 17, 2024.

Magistrate Pulekeria Low emphasized the need for FICAC to provide all essential documents, noting that they are the party that filed charges against Raj. As part of the court’s order, Saneem will have 14 days to submit a follow-up application for documentation, after which FICAC will have another 14 days to respond. Both parties are slated to reconvene in court on January 23.

This case underscores the complexity of legal proceedings surrounding corruption, highlighting the judicial system’s dedication to maintaining transparency and fairness. As both sides work through these challenges, it embodies a hopeful narrative of accountability and justice within Fiji’s governance framework, reflecting the importance of addressing these serious allegations with thoroughness and integrity.