Former Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu has received approval to travel abroad later this month. However, the Magistrates Court has mandated that Ravu submit his travel itinerary to the Court Registry before he can regain possession of his passport and have the stop-departure order lifted.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou stated, “The application for bail variation is granted. However, the passport and lifting of the stop-departure order will occur only after the itinerary is filed with the registry and a copy is provided to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.”
Ravu faces one count of abuse of office, alongside Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is charged with aiding and abetting the abuse. Allegations suggest that between July 25, 2023, and August 31, 2023, Ravu interfered with a legal investigation by the Ministry of Forestry concerning the illegal trafficking of prohibited species of beche-de-mer. It is claimed that Toaisi, while working at the Ministry, supported Ravu in committing this offense.
The case has been postponed until January 7 to complete the Pre-Trial Conference. Bail has been extended for both individuals involved.