Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, ex-CEO of Fink Link Shaenaz Voss, and Fiji Airways General Manager of Safety, Security, and Quality Sharun Ali were granted bail by the Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday.
During the proceedings, Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro informed the court that the first phase of disclosures had been completed and requested an additional six weeks for the second phase. While the prosecution did not oppose bail, they suggested that each accused should post a bail amount of $50,000, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Defense attorneys Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay contested the cash requirement and argued for a non-cash bail option. The court ultimately decided on a bail amount of $10,000 each, to be non-cash.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces 11 counts related to the unlawful transportation of firearms on an aircraft, 11 counts of receiving corrupt benefits, 11 counts of breach of trust in public service, and 11 counts of abuse of office. Voss is charged with three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts of the same. Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are charged with five counts of failing to report security incidents and three counts of breaching airline security protocols.
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 accused must surrender their passports to the Nadi Court, and a departure order has been issued against them. Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently held by the Suva Magistrates Court. They are also prohibited from contacting prosecution witnesses, many of whom work for Fiji Airways. Each defendant must provide two sureties, also bound by the non-cash bail arrangement.
The case is set to be mentioned again on 14 November.