The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has submitted a case involving its Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for further review. This referral concerns allegations of Abuse of Office during Malimali’s time as the Electoral Chair for the Electoral Commission of Fiji.
Additionally, FICAC has announced that five cases initially referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year have been closed, and the Supervisor was informed of this decision on July 24.
The first closed case involves alleged corrupt practices regarding false declarations by the FijiFirst Party, specifically targeting the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, along with Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Tito Bainimarama.
The second case dealt with allegations against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem regarding collusion and conflicts of interest, alongside Arif Ali for a $10,000 donation to the FijiFirst Party while being a civil servant.
The third case included complaints against Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, the President of Fiji, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh.
Another case involved Voreqe Bainimarama, accused of submitting false declarations of Income, Assets, and Liabilities from 2014 to 2019 and in 2022.
The fifth case pertains to Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for failing to declare overseas travel allowances.
FICAC indicated that other matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections are still under investigation, and the Commission will refrain from making comments until those investigations are completed. FICAC has emphasized that it continues to operate as usual, maintaining its processes and procedures, and is committed to addressing every complaint with the necessary scrutiny, regardless of who is involved.