The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has successfully recovered $900,000 in assets associated with corruption and anticipates retrieving an additional $300,000 by mid-year. This significant achievement stems from a settlement linked to the 2015 conviction of Feroz Jan Mohammed, a former road contractor, who was sentenced to eight years in prison for bribery, fraud, and related offenses involving $3 million from the Department of National Roads.
In March 2023, FICAC reached a settlement that required Mohammed and relevant parties to pay $1.2 million in exchange for forfeiting certain assets identified during the commission’s investigation. Currently, the $900,000 has been deposited into the Forfeited Assets Fund, marking a notable victory in the fight against corruption. The additional $300,000 is expected to be finalized after a request for an extension from Mohammed’s legal team.
FICAC emphasized that this recovery not only demonstrates their commitment to financial accountability following criminal convictions, but it also sends a firm message to the community and potential offenders: corruption will be prosecuted and will carry financial repercussions. FICAC reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that those who improperly benefit from public resources face financial scrutiny and that ill-gotten gains are returned to the community.
The commission’s proactive measures reflect a broader commitment to restoring public trust and integrity in governance, contributing to a positive outlook for future anti-corruption efforts in Fiji. Such measures not only deter corruption but also help cultivate a culture of accountability and transparency within the public sector.
In essence, this recovery signifies hope for a future strengthened against corruption, reinforcing the idea that accountability exists in both realms of law and finance.
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