The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has announced that it will withhold further disclosures in the ongoing case involving two men accused of defrauding the Nasinu Town Council out of more than $370,000. This decision was communicated by prosecution lawyer Nimisha Shankar during a court hearing presided over by Suva High Court Judge Justice Usaia Ratuvili.
The accused individuals are Pauliasi Bainivalu, a former IT officer for the Nasinu Town Council, and Shiu Raman, a former employee in Innovation Technology. Bainivalu faces multiple charges, including soliciting $116,177 and accepting $57,427.40 as bribes from various companies between 2014 and 2019. Raman is charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, obtaining a gain, bribery, and general dishonesty that caused a financial loss, as well as the destruction of evidence. Additionally, he is accused of offering Bainivalu a bribe of $2,066 to facilitate these offenses.
During the proceedings, Shankar stated that the state cannot move forward with its request for further disclosures until the statement is recorded from a key state witness, former Innovation Technology director Razia Bibi. The court agreed to postpone the plea further, and bail for both defendants has been extended.
This case, with its adjournment set for December 12, continues to unfold, emphasizing the system’s commitment to thoroughly investigating allegations of corruption. As the legal proceedings progress, there is hope that justice will be served and that measures will be reinforced to prevent corruption in the future. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within public offices.
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