Three individuals, including two civil servants, have been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) in connection with a fraud scheme involving $748,763 related to the Ministry of Education’s Transport Assistance program.
Levani Bose and Ivamere Driu were serving as a Clerical Officer and a Senior Accounts Officer within the Transport Assistance Unit at the Ministry when they allegedly committed the offenses. They face one count each of Abuse of Office.
The third individual, Surend Kumar, a registered transport service provider, has been charged with one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage. Kumar is accused of submitting falsified and inflated claim forms to the Ministry of Education, Heritage, and Arts between January 31, 2016, and December 31, 2020, resulting in the illicit financial advantage of $748,763.09.
As part of their bail conditions, Bose, Driu, and Kumar are required to report to the FICAC office on the last Saturday of each month starting from November 30, 2024.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of FICAC to combat corruption and promote accountability in public service. It serves as a reminder that transparency in financial dealings is crucial, especially in government-funded programs designed to support education. While the situation is serious, the legal actions taken by FICAC reflect a commitment to uphold integrity within the system.
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