Mohammed Shafraaz Ali, a former senior engineer at the Water Authority of Fiji, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for receiving a bribe in the form of a round-trip ticket to Sydney, Australia, valued at $1,430.60. This illicit act took place between March 1 and June 30, 2017, during Ali’s tenure as Regional Engineer Bulk.
The court determined that the ticket, provided by Sphynx Solutions Pte Limited on March 21, 2017, was intended to influence Ali’s duties as a public servant. Throughout his employment, Ali had made numerous requests for critical repair items for various water systems, leading to the issuance of purchase orders by Sphynx Solutions, which facilitated the procurement of these items.
In addition to his prison term, Ali has been ordered to pay a fine of $3,000, due by June 20, 2025, with the stipulation that failing to meet this payment will result in an additional 300 days being added to his prison sentence. He has also been granted 28 days to appeal his sentence or conviction.
This case underscores Fiji’s commitment to combating corruption and promoting ethical standards within its public service sector. The judiciary’s firm stance in Ali’s sentencing serves as a significant reaffirmation of the importance of accountability and integrity among government officials.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case reflects a positive movement towards addressing corruption in Fiji, highlighting the judiciary’s role in ensuring that public trust and accountability are upheld in governance.
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