The High Court in Suva has ruled against the prosecution’s request to forfeit a vehicle owned by Sarika Devi Raj, a former finance officer of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). This decision came amid allegations that Ms. Raj was involved in fraudulent activities tied to her ownership of businesses linked to kava suppliers, including Maleka Kava and Maleka Investment, which were registered as RFMF vendors.
Ms. Raj, who was terminated from her position on February 26 due to these allegations, was accused of failing to disclose her ownership of the kava businesses while overseeing public funds with a role that included internal audits and compliance checks. Investigations by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) were initiated following claims of fake payment vouchers linked to Maleka Kava’s bank account. The prosecution argued that funds from this account were used to finance a vehicle loan of $78,000 signed by Ms. Raj, which they deemed suspicious given her annual salary of $25,000.
When questioned during the investigation, it was alleged that Ms. Raj transferred ownership of the vehicle in question. Prosecutors maintained that the vehicle was purchased with ill-gotten gains, rendering it tainted property. However, Ms. Raj’s defense, led by attorney Mohammed Saneem, contended that the evidence did not clearly link her to any serious offenses. The defense claimed that the fraud was perpetrated by another party and highlighted that Ms. Raj had disclosed her business activities to her superiors.
Justice Chaitanya Lakshman, after reviewing the case, concluded that the evidence indicated Ms. Raj did not acquire the vehicle through her involvement in fraudulent acts. He emphasized that the investigations revealed no collusion between her and the individuals responsible for defrauding the RFMF. Consequently, he ruled that the vehicle was not tainted property and ordered its immediate release.
This ruling underscores the complexities involved in cases of alleged financial misconduct within public sectors and highlights the importance of due process. The case reflects an ongoing commitment to accountability and transparency in governance, as the judicial system in Fiji continues to navigate the intricacies of corruption-related allegations. The decision provides a hopeful illustration of fairness within the legal framework, reaffirming the necessity for thorough investigations in the quest for justice.
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