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.
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 complete the second phase. While the prosecution did not object to bail, they requested that each accused person post $50,000, highlighting the seriousness of the charges.
In contrast, defense lawyers 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 set at $10,000 each for the defendants.
The charges against Sayed-Khaiyum include 11 counts of unlawful transport of a firearm on an aircraft, 11 counts of accepting a corrupt benefit, 11 counts of breach of trust by a public servant, and 11 counts of abuse of office. Voss faces three charges of providing a corrupt benefit, while Ali is charged with 11 counts of giving a corrupt benefit.
Moreover, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are also charged with five counts related to the failure to report security occurrences and three counts of breaching airline security regulations. The allegations stem from violations of the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009.
As part of their bail conditions, all accused individuals must surrender their passports to the Nadi Court, which will implement a departure ban in their names. Notably, Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is already held by the Suva Magistrates Court. Additionally, they must not contact any prosecution witnesses, many of whom work for Fiji Airways. Each defendant must also secure two sureties who will be subject to the non-cash bail requirements.
The case has been adjourned until November 14 for further mention.