Mohammed Junaid, a Pakistani national, is facing serious legal troubles in Fiji after being charged with multiple offenses related to the alleged use of forged documents. He appeared before the Lautoka Magistrates Court to respond to a total of 12 charges, which include using false documents and providing misleading information to a public servant.
According to court documents, Junaid arrived in Fiji on October 27, 2024, and overstayed his visitor’s visa, which expired 32 days later. He is accused of obtaining a Fijian birth certificate under the name Mohammed Iqbal Khan, which he allegedly used to acquire a Fijian passport, a driver’s license, and a Tax Identification Number (TIN) card.
Also charged in connection with this case is Jone Matawalu, a former clerk at the Births, Deaths, and Registrations office. Matawalu faces charges that include abuse of office, receiving a $3,000 bribe, issuing a false birth certificate as a public officer, and falsifying documents. Both Junaid and Matawalu were remanded in custody by Magistrate Semi Babitu, with the case set to be adjourned until December 31.
This case highlights serious concerns over the integrity of document issuance and regulatory processes in the region. As the legal proceedings develop, there will likely be much attention on both the implications for immigration policies and the accountability of public officials involved in such acts of forgery.
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