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.
During the proceedings, Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Laisani Tabuakuro, informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures had been provided and requested an additional six weeks to submit the second phase. Although the prosecution did not oppose the granting of bail, they requested that each accused be required to post $50,000, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Defense attorneys Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay opposed this cash bail requirement, advocating instead for a non-cash option. Ultimately, the Court set the bail at $10,000 each, in a non-cash format.
In terms of charges, Sayed-Khaiyum faces 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. Voss is charged with three counts of providing a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts of the same.
Moreover, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are charged with five counts related to failing to report security incidents as mandated, as well as three counts for violating airline security regulations. The charges are based on the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009.
As a condition of their bail, the accused must surrender their passports to the Nadi Court, with a departure order placed against their names. It is reported that Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently held by the Suva Magistrates Court. They must also avoid contacting prosecution witnesses, many of whom are employees of Fiji Airways. Each defendant is required to provide two sureties, who are also bound by the non-cash bail agreement.
The case has been adjourned until November 14 for a further mention.