Former Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu has received permission to travel abroad later this month. However, the Magistrates Court has mandated that Ravu submit his travel itinerary to the Court Registry before his passport can be released and his stop-departure order lifted.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou stated that while the request for a variation of bail is approved, the passport and the lifting of the travel restrictions will only occur once the itinerary is filed with the registry and a copy is provided to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Ravu faces one count of abuse of office, along with Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is charged with aiding and abetting the abuse of office. The allegations assert that between July 25, 2023, and August 31, 2023, Ravu interfered in a lawful investigation by the Ministry of Forestry concerning the illegal trade of restricted species of beche-de-mer. Toaisi is accused of assisting Ravu in committing the alleged offense while serving in the Ministry.
The case has been adjourned until January 7 for the Pre-Trial Conference to be finalized. Bail has been extended for both individuals involved.