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.
The Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Laisani Tabuakuro, informed the court that the first phase of disclosures had been completed and requested an additional six weeks to prepare the second phase. While the prosecution did not oppose bail, Tabuakuro emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and requested that each of the accused post $50,000.
In response, defense attorneys Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay argued against the cash requirement, advocating for a non-cash bail. The court ultimately decided on a non-cash bail of $10,000 for each accused.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces 11 counts related to the unlawful carriage of a firearm on an aircraft, receiving corrupt benefits, breach of trust as a public servant, and abuse of office. Voss has been charged with three counts of providing a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts for the same offense. Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are charged with multiple counts relating to breaches of mandatory reporting of security occurrences and airline security violations.
The charges are filed under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and Crimes Act 2009.
As part of their bail conditions, all accused must surrender their passports to the Nadi Court, with a travel restriction applied to prevent departure. Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently held by the Suva Magistrates Court. They are also prohibited from interfering with prosecution witnesses, many of whom work for Fiji Airways, and are required to provide two sureties under the non-cash bail bond.
The case is set to be mentioned again on 14 November.