Former CEO of the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and the current chief financial officer, Vimlesh Sagar, were set to receive the remaining documents regarding their cases by the end of business yesterday.
Both men appeared before Magistrate Krishan Prasad in Suva. FICAC prosecutor Lilliane Mausio informed the court that the second phase of disclosures for their cases was still being prepared and would be completed by the end of the day.
Sayed-Khaiyum is facing a charge of abuse of office for personal gain, as well as an alternative charge of general dishonesty resulting in a loss. He allegedly initiated five legal proceedings without the necessary approval from the FBC board, incurring costs of $138,813.37, which were not in the company’s best interest. These incidents reportedly occurred between July 1, 2017, and January 31 of last year.
Sagar is charged with general dishonesty causing a loss for allegedly authorizing payments to R Patel Lawyers without board approval, totaling $15,075.88. This is said to have taken place between January 1, 2023, and December 31 of last year.
Additionally, Sayed-Khaiyum faces further charges of abuse of office and general dishonesty causing a loss, accused of bypassing the tender process outlined in FBC’s finance manual to purchase a 3.0L Volkswagen Touareg for $207,240. This transaction is believed to have resulted in a loss of $84,470 for the company, with the alleged incidents occurring between September 1, 2022, and November 11 of two years ago.
Sagar is also being charged with general dishonesty for approving the payments related to the vehicle purchase. The two men will have their pleas recorded for their respective cases on October 31.