The Fiji Independent Commission has notified the Fijian Elections Office that it has closed three investigation files that were submitted in September 2023.
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) conducted a preliminary inquiry into complaints against the FijiFirst party, particularly concerning allegations of corrupt practices linked to the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, specifically mentioning Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Tito Bainimarama.
FICAC noted that the list of donations disclosed to the Registrar of Political Parties by FijiFirst from 2015 to 2022 did not include contributions from the Fiji First Australia Association, which is recognized by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Additionally, attempts to obtain further documentation from the complainant, Alexandra Forwood, were unsuccessful as she could not provide the necessary documents or dates related to the alleged corrupt actions.
The inquiry also examined claims regarding Tito Bainimarama’s connection to former FijiFirst party leader Voreqe Bainimarama. Investigative findings revealed no records for Tito Bainimarama with the Births, Deaths & Marriages, Land Transport Authority, Immigration, or the Fiji Revenue & Customs Authority, confirming that he is not the same individual as the former party leader.
Furthermore, complaints were raised against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflict of interest, and Ariff Ali regarding donations to FijiFirst while being a civil servant. Preliminary findings indicated that neither Sayed-Khaiyum nor Saneem are shareholders of Formscaff (Fiji) Pte Limited, and the contract was awarded after following the appropriate tender process by the Elections Office. The inquiry also confirmed that the tender procedure for Xiarch Solutions Pvt Ltd was properly followed in relation to the 2022 General Elections.
Additionally, a complaint was reported against His Excellency, the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh. The investigation sought assistance from the Financial Intelligence Unit regarding their financial information, which ultimately disproved the allegations made against them. FICAC has verified the assets and liabilities recorded by the Fiji FIU and confirmed their findings.
Following the preliminary inquiry and legal review, FICAC concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations, prompting the decision to close the investigation files.