The trial for former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu has been scheduled for February next year. Ravu faces charges along with former Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi.
Ravu appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou in the Suva Magistrates Court this morning, where he sought a bail variation to travel to China. However, Toaisi was not present at the hearing due to a misunderstanding regarding the date.
The first case involves alleged corrupt practices related to the FijiFirst Party’s false declarations, specifically regarding the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
The second case includes complaints against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflict of interest, as well as Arif Ali for donating $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party while being a civil servant.
Further complaints have been made against the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh. Additionally, there are allegations against Voreqe Bainimarama for submitting false declarations of income, assets, and liabilities from 2014 to 2019 and 2022. The fifth case concerns Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for not declaring an overseas travel allowance.
Regarding other matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections, those investigations are ongoing, and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will withhold comments until their completion. FICAC reiterated that it continues to operate as normal and is diligently addressing all complaints, irrespective of the individuals involved.