The Magistrate’s Court is set to hear the bail application of Varinava Sabua, a former officer from the Fiji Police Force’s Narcotics Bureau, who stands accused of engaging in unauthorized financial dealings. Sabua made his appearance before Magistrate Vinaina Diroiroi in Suva.
The 47-year-old is alleged to have participated in these illicit financial activities from January 2023 to December 2024, accumulating corrupt gains exceeding $22,000. Additionally, he is accused of receiving corrupt benefits tied to the same transactions.
The bail hearing for Mr. Sabua did not take place as scheduled, primarily due to a procedural delay in the release of the prosecutor Unal Lal’s response, which was filed on December 3. The documents were only made available to both parties yesterday, prompting Sabua’s lawyer, Amani Bale, to request additional time to address the State’s opposition to bail.
Consequently, Sabua remains in custody while the case has been adjourned until December 12. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding integrity within law enforcement and the accountability of public officials in Fiji’s financial sectors.
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