The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has sent a case involving its Commissioner Barbara Malimali to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for further examination. This case concerns allegations of Abuse of Office linked to Malimali’s previous role as the Electoral Chair with the Electoral Commission of Fiji.
FICAC also announced that it has concluded five cases previously referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier in the year, with the Supervisor being informed of the closures on July 24.
The first case involves claims of corrupt practices related to the FijiFirst Party, focusing on false declarations against the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
The second case deals with allegations against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflicts of interest, as well as Arif Ali for contributing $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party while serving as a civil servant.
The third case includes complaints against Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, the President of the Republic of Fiji, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh.
The fourth case concerns Voreqe Bainimarama, who is accused of submitting false income, asset, and liability declarations for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022.
Finally, the fifth case involves Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for allegedly failing to declare an overseas travel allowance.
As for the additional matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections, these cases are still open, and FICAC stated that it will refrain from making comments until the investigations are complete.
FICAC emphasized that it operates normally and that its processes and procedures remain unchanged, committing to examine every complaint with the necessary scrutiny, regardless of who is involved.