The High Court in Lautoka has found Inosi Tauvoli, a former Senior Estate Officer at the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), guilty of three counts of Abuse of Office. These offenses occurred from October 2018 to January 2019, during which Tauvoli improperly processed and approved four land lease applications for three Chinese nationals without following established policies. Justice Aruna Aluthge noted that these actions not only violated regulations but also adversely affected the rights of both the TLTB and the local landowning unit. The court confirmed that the prosecution successfully proved all elements of Abuse of Office beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tauvoli was represented by defense counsel Amele Tubuitamana from Niudamu Lawyers, while the prosecution was led by Arieta Vaganalau, Senior State Counsel from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The case has been adjourned, with the sentencing hearing scheduled for March 24, 2025.
This verdict highlights the persistent challenges of corruption faced within Fiji’s public service sectors. It aligns with recent trends, as two former TLTB employees were also charged with Abuse of Office, indicating a rigorous evaluation of accountability in government operations.
As these legal processes continue, they not only promote hope for improved integrity within public services but also foster public confidence that such accountability measures will lead to greater transparency and trust in governmental institutions.
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