Former Telecom Fiji Ltd and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings board member Sanjay Kaba has pleaded not guilty to charges of obtaining more than $700,000 in financial advantage. Kaba appeared before Suva Magistrate Krishan Prasad, facing allegations related to his company, Houng Lee Kaba Jacob Ltd (HLK Jacob). The charges assert that he engaged in bidding for project management services related to TFL’s new office and data center from June 2022 to July 2023, during which he allegedly received $766,327.22 without disclosing his directorial interests.
The court granted Kaba a variation to his bail conditions, allowing him to travel out of the country from March 1 to March 18, with specified bond conditions in place. A total of $75,000 has been deposited in the judiciary’s trust account to satisfy the surety requirement, which entails $25,000 each from his two sureties and himself. The stop departure order has been temporarily lifted, enabling him to reclaim his passport, but he must return it by March 19 when the case is set for further proceedings.
This ongoing case reflects heightened efforts by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to tackle financial misconduct and uphold ethical practices in corporate governance. Similar previous cases underscore the necessity for transparency, and this situation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity in leadership. As the case unfolds, there is hope for a legal resolution that reinforces accountability and strengthens public trust in governance. The upcoming court date in March will be a crucial moment in determining the outcome of these serious allegations.
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