The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has submitted a case against its Commissioner Barbara Malimali to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further evaluation. This referral relates to allegations of Abuse of Office made against Malimali during her time as the Electoral Chair at the Electoral Commission of Fiji.
In a related update, FICAC has closed five cases that were previously referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year, with the Supervisor being informed of these closures on July 24.
The first case involves claims of corrupt practices related to the FijiFirst Party, specifically concerning the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and an individual named Tito Bainimarama.
The second case relates to allegations against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflict of interest, alongside Arif Ali for donating $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party while serving as a civil servant.
The third case involves complaints against Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, the President of the Republic of Fiji, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh.
A complaint has also been lodged against Voreqe Bainimarama for allegedly filing false declarations of income, assets, and liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022.
The fifth case concerns Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for not declaring overseas travel allowances.
With regards to other ongoing matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections, FICAC has stated that no comments will be made until investigations are complete. It emphasized that the Commission is operating normally and that all complaints are treated with the seriousness they warrant, regardless of the person involved.