Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former Fink Link CEO 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 (DPP) Laisani Tabuakuro informed the court that the initial phase of disclosures had been completed and requested six weeks for the submission of the second phase. Although the prosecution did not oppose bail, they suggested that each accused individual post $50,000, citing the serious nature of the allegations.
Defense attorneys Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay challenged the cash bail requirement, advocating for non-cash bail instead. The court ultimately decided to set the bail at $10,000 each, with the condition being non-cash.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces 11 counts related to the unlawful carriage of a firearm on an aircraft, receiving corrupt benefits, breach of trust as a public servant, and abuse of office. Voss is charged with three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts for the same offense. Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are charged with five counts of failing to report security occurrences as mandated and three counts of breaching airline security.
The charges against the accused are under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and Crimes Act 2009.
As part of their bail conditions, all three accused must surrender their passports to the Nadi Court, with a top departure order placed against their names. It has been noted that Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently held by the Suva Magistrates Court. They are also prohibited from interfering with witnesses in the prosecution, many of whom are employed by Fiji Airways. Each defendant is required to provide two sureties, who are also subject to the non-cash bail bond.
The case has been scheduled for mention on 14 November.