A Stop Departure Order has been placed on Sanjay Kaba, a former board member of Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL) and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), as he faces serious charges of financial misconduct. Kaba is accused of securing $766,327.22 through his company, HLK Jacob Pte Ltd, for project management services related to TFL’s new office and data center from 2017 to 2019, without disclosing his directorship or the associated conflict of interest.
During today’s court session, Principal State Counsel Lilian Mausio expressed concerns about Kaba potentially fleeing, leading to the request for the Stop Departure Order. She also called for Kaba to submit monthly reports to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and surrender his travel documents. In response, Kaba’s defense counsel, Mr. Pillay, argued that his client had been fully cooperative during the investigation and pointed out that Kaba owns multiple properties in Fiji.
Kaba has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza has allowed bail with stringent conditions, including a $5,000 surety and restrictions against interfering with witnesses.
The investigation initiated by FICAC began after a complaint was lodged on May 29, 2024, leading to a directive for an inquiry on June 6, 2024. The case is set to be mentioned again at a later date.
This situation highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat corruption and ensure accountability in corporate governance in Fiji. The adherence to legal processes and the establishment of strict conditions for the accused show a commitment to justice while respecting the rights of individuals.
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