Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former attorney-general, alongside Shaenaz Voss, former executive general of Corporate Affairs at Fiji Airways, and Sharun Ali, general manager of Safety, Security, and Quality at Fiji Airways, have been granted a non-cash bail of $10,000 by the Magistrate’s Court in Nadi. They are facing a total of 66 charges sanctioned by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Magistrate Semi Babitu, while approving their bail, ordered the accused to hand over their passports, provide two sureties, comply with stop-departure orders, and avoid any contact with prosecution witnesses.
Sayed-Khaiyum is facing multiple charges including 11 counts each of unlawful carriage of a firearm on an aircraft, receiving a corrupt benefit, breach of trust by a public servant, and abuse of office. Voss has been charged with three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts of the same offense.
Moreover, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Airlines T/A Fiji Link are also charged with five counts of failing to report security occurrences and three counts of violating airline security regulations.
The charges stem from violations under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009.
During the hearing, Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro did not object to the bail but suggested a cash bail bond of $50,000. She emphasized the need for stop-departure orders on the accused and requested their distance from prosecution witnesses.
Tabuakuro noted that Ali should particularly avoid prosecution witnesses since he remains employed by Fiji Airways, where many of these witnesses currently work or have worked under him. She also asked for six weeks to present the second phase of disclosures.
The court will reconvene on November 14 for further proceedings.