Former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu has entered a not guilty plea to charges of abuse of office. He appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court this morning, where his lawyer, Lavi Rokoika, stated that she had received second-phase disclosures and declared that her client was prepared to enter a plea.
FICAC Counsel Lavenia Ravuikadavu informed the court that there was no admission made during the caution interview. Ravu faces one count of abuse of office, while former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toisi, is charged with aiding and abetting the abuse of office.
The allegations against Ravu assert that between July 25 and August 31, 2023, he interfered with a lawful investigation by the Ministry of Fisheries concerning the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer. Additionally, it is claimed that Toisi, while working for the Ministry, helped Ravu in committing this offense.
Toisi’s lawyer informed the court that his client was not prepared to enter a plea. The court has scheduled the next hearing for the 28th of this month.