Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the former CEO of Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), and Vimlesh Sagar, the current Chief Financial Officer, will have their cases heard in a lower court. Both individuals appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola in Suva, where they entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces charges of abuse of office and general dishonesty, specifically concerning the procurement of his 3.0L Volkswagen Touareg, which reportedly violated FBC’s tender process and allegedly led to a financial loss of $84,470 for the company. He purchased the vehicle for $207,240.
Sagar, meanwhile, is charged with general dishonesty for his role in approving payments related to the vehicle’s purchase without proper authorization. The trial for both men is scheduled to begin on September 2, 2025.
In an unrelated situation, the duo was set to record their plea before Magistrate Krishan Prasad, but the court session was postponed as all related cases are slated to commence on December 11 of this year.
Additionally, Sayed-Khaiyum faces alternative charges involving legal actions taken without the FBC board’s knowledge, incurring a cost of $138,813.37 between July 1, 2017, and January 31, 2022. Sagar is similarly implicated in approving payments to R Patel Lawyers amounting to $15,075.88, which allegedly occurred in 2023.
This matter has been adjourned until April 11, next year.
The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in corporate governance. As the trial approaches, it serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical obligations that leaders within organizations must adhere to for the sake of their companies and stakeholders.
This case may also lead to positive reforms and greater oversight practices within companies, ensuring such situations are less likely to occur in the future.
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