A former official of the Independent Legal Services Commission (ILSC), Afrana Nisha, has been sentenced to five years in prison for committing cheque fraud exceeding $10,000. The sentencing took place at the Suva Magistrates Court this morning, marking the conclusion of a case that involved various acts of forgery and financial deception.
Nisha was found guilty on multiple counts, including seven instances of document falsification and two counts of obtaining financial advantages unlawfully. The court proceedings revealed that between July 2012 and November 2014, she had forged signatures belonging to former Solicitor General Sharvada Sharma and lawyer Ana Tuiketei on several cheques.
The fraudulent scheme involved Nisha listing herself, alongside ILSC Commissioner Paul Madigan, as payees to unlawfully secure funds. In one specific case, she forged a cheque worth $3,450, naming Tuiketei as the payee, and directed an ILSC receptionist to cash it, subsequently instructing the receptionist to hand over the money to her directly.
During the sentencing, the Suva Magistrate emphasized the serious breach of trust exhibited by Nisha, highlighting that she had dishonestly acquired over $10,000 that rightfully belonged to the ILSC during her tenure. The Magistrate stressed the importance of public officers being cognizant of the long-term impacts resulting from their decisions and actions concerning public funds.
Nisha’s sentencing includes a non-parole period of four years, emphasizing the judicial system’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability within public service roles.
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