The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has officially announced the closure of its investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. The inquiry focused on claims of false declarations regarding income, assets, and liabilities for the periods of 2014 to 2019 and in 2022.
The Supervisor of Elections referred the matter to FICAC in February of this year. According to their findings, Bainimarama had properly declared his dividends, as well as the value of his shares and a term saver’s account where these dividends were deposited.
Additionally, FICAC determined that, as per the Income Tax (Exempt Income) Regulation 2016 Schedule (Regulation 3), official allowances provided to members of Parliament are exempt from taxation. However, Section 15 (c) of the Income Tax Act specifies that allowances related to the performance of an employee’s duties, which includes per diem allowances, are not recognized as exempt.
Ultimately, following the investigation and subsequent legal review, FICAC concluded that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations made by the complainant.