Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, along with former Fiji Airways executive general of Corporate Affairs Shaenaz Voss and Fiji Airways general manager of Safety, Security and Quality Sharun Ali, has been granted a $10,000 non-cash bail by the Magistrate’s Court in Nadi. They are facing a total of 66 charges approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
While issuing the bail, Magistrate Semi Babitu instructed the accused to surrender their passports, provide two sureties, adhere to stop-departure orders, and refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses.
Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum faces multiple charges, including 11 counts of unlawful carriage of 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. Ms. Voss is charged with three counts related to giving a corrupt benefit, while Mr. Ali also faces 11 counts of giving a corrupt benefit.
Additionally, Ms. Voss, Mr. Ali, and Fiji Airlines T/A Fiji Link face charges for five counts of failing to report security incidents and three counts of violating airline security regulations. These charges fall under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and Crimes Act 2009.
During the proceedings, Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro did not oppose the bail but requested a cash bond of $50,000 for the accused. She stressed the importance of imposing stop-departure orders and ensuring Mr. Ali stays away from prosecution witnesses, as many of them are his current or former employees at Fiji Link.
Ms. Tabuakuro also requested six weeks to submit further disclosures in the case, which is scheduled for a follow-up hearing on November 14.