Pawan Deo, a former accountant at the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), and his wife Subhashni Mudaliar, have pleaded not guilty to multiple fraud-related charges at the Suva Magistrate’s Court. The couple is facing serious allegations including conspiracy to defraud, unlawfully obtaining financial gain, and financing advantage.
The charges stem from accusations that between February 1 and July 31, 2022, while operating as sole proprietors of Sports Supplies Limited (SSL), Mr. Deo, who also served as the FRU’s financial accountant, supposedly conspired with Ms. Mudaliar to acquire $53,788.75 from the FRU unlawfully. They are further accused of facilitating fraudulent payments that resulted in an improper gain of $7,291.83 for SSL, despite knowing the company was ineligible to receive these funds. These alleged offenses occurred between February 1 and May 11, 2022.
During the court proceedings, prosecution lawyer Ravinesh Lal confirmed that full disclosures related to the case had been provided to the defendants on November 26 of the previous year. The couple’s defense attorneys have expressed their intent to seek a reconsideration of the charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Following the hearing, the couple’s bail was extended, and their case has been adjourned until February 28 for further proceedings. This situation highlights the ongoing need for transparency and accountability within sporting organizations in Fiji.
As this legal process continues, it raises important discussions about financial integrity in organizations handling public funds, especially in light of increased scrutiny regarding governance practices in the sports sector. The outcome may lead to strengthened regulations, ultimately fostering a culture of integrity and transparency that benefits Fiji’s entire sports community.
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