Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former Fink Link CEO Shaenaz Voss, and Fiji Airways General Manager for Safety, Security, and Quality, Sharun Ali, were released on bail by the Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday.
Laisani Tabuakuro, the Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been completed and requested an additional six weeks to present the second phase. Although the prosecution did not oppose bail, they proposed that each accused post a bond of $50,000, citing the serious nature of the charges.
In response, defense attorneys Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay argued against the cash bail requirement, advocating for a non-cash alternative. The Court ultimately determined that bail would be set at $10,000 each, without the need for cash.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces multiple charges, including 11 counts of the unlawful transportation of a firearm on an aircraft, 11 counts of receiving a corrupt benefit, 11 counts of breach of trust as a public servant, and 11 counts of abuse of office. Voss is charged with three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts for the same offense. Additionally, all three, along with Fiji Link, are charged with five counts of failing to report security incidents and three counts of airline security violations.
These charges fall under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009.
As conditions of their bail, all accused are required to surrender their passports to the Nadi Court and have a departure order placed in their names. It has been noted that Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently held by the Suva Magistrates Court. Furthermore, they must avoid any contact with prosecution witnesses, many of whom are employees of Fiji Airways. Each defendant is also required to provide two sureties, who must also adhere to the non-cash bail arrangement.
The case is scheduled to reconvene on November 14 for further proceedings.