Former Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu has received approval to travel abroad later this month. However, the Magistrates Court has mandated that Ravu submit his travel itinerary to the Court Registry prior to the release of his passport and the lifting of his stop-departure order.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou stated, “The application for bail variation is granted. However, the passport and the uplifting of the stop-departure order shall only occur once the itinerary is filed at the registry and a copy is provided to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.”
Ravu faces a charge of abuse of office, alongside Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is accused of aiding and abetting this abuse.
The allegations suggest that between July 25, 2023, and August 31, 2023, Ravu interfered with a legal investigation by the Ministry of Forestry concerning the illicit trade of banned beche-de-mer species. It is further alleged that Toaisi facilitated Ravu’s actions while working at the Ministry.
The case has been postponed until January 7 to conclude the Pre-Trial Conference. Bail has been extended for both individuals involved.