Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former 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.
Laisani Tabuakuro, the Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been provided and requested an additional six weeks to submit the second phase. She stated that the prosecution did not oppose bail but suggested that each accused should post $50,000, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
However, defense attorneys Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay objected to the cash bail requirement, advocating for a non-cash option. The Court ultimately set the bail at $10,000 each, without the need for cash.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces 11 charges of unlawfully carrying a firearm on an aircraft, 11 counts of receiving a corrupt benefit, 11 counts of breach of trust while in public service, and 11 counts of abuse of office. Voss is charged with three counts of providing a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts of this same charge. Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are also facing five counts concerning the breach of mandatory reporting of 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.
As part of their bail conditions, all defendants are required to surrender their passports to the Nadi Court, with a departure prohibition order issued against them. It is noted that Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently with the Suva Magistrates Court.
Furthermore, they have been ordered not to interfere with prosecution witnesses, many of whom work for Fiji Airways. Each defendant must also provide two sureties, who must comply with the non-cash bail requirement.
The case has been adjourned until 14 November for further mention.