The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has sent a case involving its Commissioner Barbara Malimali to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further evaluation. This case is related to allegations of Abuse of Office that occurred during Malimali’s time as Chair of the Electoral Commission of Fiji.
Additionally, FICAC has confirmed the closure of five cases that were referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year. The Supervisor was notified about the closures on July 24.
The first case involves allegations of corrupt practices tied to the FijiFirst Party, specifically against the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
The second case centers around accusations against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflict of interest, as well as Arif Ali for donating $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party while serving as a civil servant.
The third case involves complaints against the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh.
The fourth case is a complaint against Voreqe Bainimarama for filing false declarations of Income, Assets, and Liabilities from 2014 to 2019 and in 2022.
The fifth case concerns Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for allegedly failing to disclose his overseas travel allowance.
FICAC stated that ongoing investigations into other issues referred by the Supervisor of Elections will continue, and they will refrain from making comments until the investigations are complete. FICAC emphasized that the commission is operating normally and that all procedures remain unchanged, affirming their commitment to scrutinizing every complaint, irrespective of the individuals involved.