A former employee of the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), Inosi Tauvoli, has been found guilty of three counts of Abuse of Office following a week-long trial held in the High Court in Lautoka. The verdict was delivered on March 22, 2025, with the sentencing hearing scheduled for later that day.
During his tenure as a Senior Estate Officer between October 19, 2018, and January 18, 2019, Tauvoli improperly processed and approved four land lease applications for three Chinese nationals without adhering to the necessary policies. This misconduct not only breached internal regulations but also infringed upon the rights of the TLTB and the local landowning unit.
Counsel for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) argued for a custodial sentence, citing the seriousness of the offenses and the need for it to serve as a deterrent to others. In contrast, Tauvoli’s defense lawyer, Amele Tubuitamana, requested a non-custodial sentence, emphasizing that Tauvoli is the sole income earner for his family and manages a minibus business.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges of corruption within Fiji’s public service, particularly within the TLTB, which has seen several former employees facing similar charges of Abuse of Office. The judiciary’s actions signal a commitment to accountability and the fostering of a trustworthy governmental environment.
The outcome of this case offers hope for enhanced integrity within public service, indicating that stringent measures against corruption are crucial for restoring public confidence in government institutions. As the legal process unfolds, it promotes a narrative of vigilance and reform, striving for greater transparency and ethical conduct in governance.
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