Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, ex-Fiji Airways executive general of Corporate Affairs Shaenaz Voss, and Fiji Airways general manager of Safety, Security and Quality Sharun Ali, along with Fiji Airlines T/A Fiji Link, are facing a total of 66 charges authorized by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). They have been granted a non-cash bail of $10,000 by the Magistrate’s Court in Nadi.
While granting bail, Magistrate Semi Babitu instructed the accused to surrender their passports, provide two sureties, follow stop-departure orders, and refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses.
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 related to the same offense.
Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Airlines T/A Fiji Link face five counts of failing to report security occurrences as mandated and three counts of violating airline security regulations. The charges are based on the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009.
Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro did not oppose bail but requested a cash bond of $50,000 for the accused, urging stop-departure orders and a directive for them to avoid prosecution witnesses. Tabuakuro emphasized the importance of Ali distancing himself from the witnesses, given his role at Fiji Airways, where most of the prosecution witnesses are employed.
She also requested six weeks to provide the second phase of disclosures. The case is set to be heard again on November 14.