Kalaveti Ravu, the former Minister for Fisheries and Forests, has received approval to travel abroad later this month. However, the Magistrates Court has mandated that Ravu submit his travel itinerary to the Court Registry before his passport can be released and the stop-departure order lifted.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou stated that while the application for a variation in bail has been granted, the passport will only be released and the stop-departure order lifted once the itinerary is filed with the registry and a copy is provided to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Ravu faces charges of abuse of office, along with Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is accused of aiding and abetting the abuse of office. The allegations suggest that between July 25 and August 31, 2023, Ravu obstructed a lawful investigation by the Ministry of Forestry into the illegal trade of prohibited species of beche-de-mer.
Toaisi is alleged to have assisted Ravu in the commission of this offense while working at the Ministry. The case has been adjourned until January 7 for the finalization of the Pre-Trial Conference. Bail has been extended for both individuals.