Former Attorney General and Civil Aviation Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, along with ex-Fiji Airways Executive General of Corporate Affairs Shaenaz Voss and General Manager of Safety, Security, and Quality Sharun Ali, were granted bail under strict conditions on Friday.
The trio appeared before Magistrate Semi Babitu at the Nadi Magistrates Court, confronting multiple charges allegedly committed between 2018 and 2023. The court was informed that Sayed-Khaiyum faces 44 counts, which include 11 counts each of unlawful firearm carriage on an aircraft, receiving corrupt benefits, breach of trust as a public servant, and abuse of office. Voss is charged with three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts of similar accusations. Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are collectively charged with five counts of failing to report security occurrences and three counts of violating airline security regulations.
The charges arise under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009. Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro and DPP Director John Rabuku represented the state, while lawyer Gul Fatima defended Sayed-Khaiyum and Voss, and Wasu Pillay represented Ali.
Tabuakuro indicated the prosecution did not oppose bail but requested stringent conditions, including a substantial cash bail bond of $50,000 due to the serious nature of the allegations. Defense attorneys argued that such an amount was excessive and recommended non-cash bail bonds as seen in similar cases involving the same defendants. Pillay emphasized that his client would not evade prosecution, especially given that the investigation has been ongoing for over a year.
In response, Tabuakuro urged the court to exercise caution regarding non-cash bail, referencing the accused’s long-term involvement with the airline. She requested a six-week timeframe for the matter to be revisited in court.
Magistrate Babitu set bail conditions requiring the accused to surrender their passports, follow a stop departure order, and not interfere with prosecution witnesses, many of whom work for Fiji Airways. It was noted that Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is held by the Suva Magistrates Court. Ultimately, Babitu approved a non-cash bail bond of $10,000, mandating each accused to provide two sureties also subject to this bond.
The case is scheduled to return to Nadi Magistrate Court on November 14.