Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, along with former Fiji Airways executive of Corporate Affairs Shaenaz Voss, Fiji Airways GM of Safety, Security and Quality Sharun Ali, and Fiji Airlines trading as Fiji Link, are facing a total of 66 counts of various charges as authorized by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). They have been granted a $10,000 non-cash bail by the Magistrate’s Court in Nadi.
While issuing the bail, Magistrate Semi Babitu instructed the accused to surrender their passports, provide two sureties, comply with stop-departure orders, and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces 11 counts each of unlawful carriage of a firearm on an aircraft, receiving a corrupt benefit, breach of trust as a public servant, and abuse of office. Voss has been charged with three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali is charged with 11 counts of the same offense.
Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Airlines as Fiji Link face five counts of breaching mandatory reporting of security incidents and three counts of violating airline security protocols. The charges are made under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and Crimes Act 2009.
Laisani Tabuakuro, Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, did not oppose the bail but requested a cash bail bond of $50,000 for the accused, continued stop-departure orders for the three individuals, and that they avoid contact with prosecution witnesses. Tabuakuro emphasized the need for Ali to stay away from the prosecution witnesses, noting that he remains employed by Fiji Airways, where many witnesses either previously worked under him or continue to do so.
She also requested a period of six weeks to submit the second phase of disclosures. The case is scheduled to be heard again on November 14.