Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former 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.
The Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Laisani Tabuakuro, informed the court that the initial phase of disclosures had been completed and requested an additional six weeks for the submission of the second phase. While the prosecution did not oppose bail, they proposed that each defendant post a $50,000 bail to reflect the seriousness of the charges.
In response, defense attorneys Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay contested the bail amount, advocating for a non-cash bail arrangement. The court ultimately set the bail at $10,000 each, to be paid in non-cash forms.
The charges against Sayed-Khaiyum include 11 counts of the 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 faces three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali is charged with 11 counts of giving a corrupt benefit. Furthermore, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are charged with five counts of failing to report security occurrences and three counts of breaching airline security protocols.
These charges fall under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, the 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 impose a departure order against them. It has been noted that Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is already held by the Suva Magistrates Court. Additionally, they are required to avoid any interference with prosecution witnesses, many of whom are affiliated with Fiji Airways. Each defendant must also provide two sureties subject to the non-cash bail bond.
The court has adjourned the case until November 14 for further mention.