Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and several former Fiji Airways executives have been granted non-cash bail of $10,000 by the Magistrate’s Court in Nadi. The individuals include Shaenaz Voss, a former executive general of Corporate Affairs, and Sharun Ali, the general manager of Safety, Security, and Quality at Fiji Airways, along with Fiji Airlines trading as Fiji Link. They are collectively facing a total of 66 charges authorized by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
In granting bail, Magistrate Semi Babitu instructed the accused to surrender their passports, provide two sureties each, comply with stop-departure orders, and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces multiple serious charges, including 11 counts of unlawful carriage of a firearm on an aircraft, 11 counts of receiving a corrupt benefit, and 11 counts of breach of trust and abuse of office while serving in public office.
Voss is facing three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali is charged with 11 similar counts. Furthermore, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Airlines are also charged with five counts related to breaches of mandatory reporting of security occurrences and three counts concerning breaches of airline security, under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009.
Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro did not oppose the bail but requested a cash bond of $50,000, the imposition of stop-departure orders for the accused, and that they avoid prosecution witnesses. She emphasized that Ali should maintain distance from these witnesses, as they work under him at Fiji Link.
Ms. Tabuakuro also requested a six-week extension to submit further disclosures. The case is set to be reviewed again on November 14.