Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, ex-Fink Link CEO Shaenaz Voss, and Fiji Airways General Manager for Safety, Security, and Quality Sharun Ali were granted bail by the Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday.
Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Laisani Tabuakuro informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been completed and requested an additional six weeks to submit the second phase. While the prosecution did not oppose bail, Tabuakuro proposed that each accused post $50,000, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
Defense attorneys Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay contested the cash requirement, advocating for a non-cash bail instead. The Court ultimately decided to set the bail at $10,000 each, non-cash.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces 11 counts of unlawfully carrying 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 providing a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts of giving a corrupt benefit. Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are charged with five counts of failing to report mandatory security incidents and three counts of violating airline security regulations.
The charges against them fall under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009.
All accused individuals were instructed to surrender their passports to the Nadi Court, with a departure order placed in their names. It is reported that Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently held by the Suva Magistrates Court. They have also been ordered not to communicate with prosecution witnesses, many of whom are Fiji Airways employees.
Each defendant must provide two sureties, who are also subject to the non-cash bail requirement. The case is scheduled for mention on 14 November.