Former Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu has been permitted to travel abroad later this month. The Magistrates Court has stipulated that Ravu must submit his travel itinerary to the Court Registry before his passport can be released and the stop-departure order lifted.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou stated, “The application for bail variation is granted. However, the passport and the lifting of the stop departure order will occur once the itinerary is filed at the registry and a copy is provided to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.”
Ravu faces one charge of abuse of office, alongside Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is accused of aiding and abetting the abuse of office. It is alleged that from July 25 to August 31, 2023, Ravu interfered with a legitimate Ministry of Forestry inquiry regarding the illegal trade of prohibited beche-de-mer species. Toaisi is alleged to have assisted Ravu in committing the offense while employed at the Ministry.
The case has been adjourned until January 7 for a Pre-Trial Conference. Bail has been extended for both individuals.