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.
The Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Laisani Tabuakuro, informed the court that the first phase of disclosures has been completed and requested an additional six weeks to submit the second phase. While the prosecution did not oppose bail, they suggested that each accused should post $50,000 due to the seriousness of the allegations.
Defense attorneys Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay contested the bail amount, advocating for a non-cash bail instead. Ultimately, the court decided on a non-cash bail set at $10,000 for each defendant.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces 11 counts related to the unlawful carriage of a firearm on an aircraft, receiving corrupt benefits, breach of trust by a public servant, and abuse of office. Voss is charged with three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts of the same crime. Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Link are charged collectively with five counts of failing to report mandatory security occurrences and three counts of violating airline security protocol.
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 defendants must surrender their passports to the Nadi Court, with a top departure order issued in their names. It is noted that Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently held by the Suva Magistrates Court. They are also required to avoid any interference with prosecution witnesses, many of whom work for Fiji Airways, and must provide two sureties each, who are also subject to the non-cash bail requirement.
The case has been adjourned until November 14 for further mention.