The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has informed the Fijian Elections Office of its decision to close the investigation into former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. The inquiry was initiated following allegations of false declarations of income, assets, and liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022.
The Supervisor of Elections referred the matter to FICAC in February. According to investigation findings, Bainimarama accurately declared his dividends and the value of his shared and term saver accounts where those dividends were deposited.
Additionally, the investigation concluded that certain allowances, as outlined in the Income Tax (Exempt Income) Regulation 2016, are exempt from tax, particularly those paid to Members of Parliament. However, the Income Tax Act specifies that allowances related to the duties of an employee, such as per diem allowances, are not recognized as exempt.
Ultimately, the investigations and subsequent legal advice indicated a lack of sufficient evidence to substantiate the complaints against Bainimarama.