The attorney representing former military finance officer Sarika Dev Raj asserted that the prosecution’s actions in delaying the issuance of disclosures were inappropriate. Ms. Raj appeared before Suva Magistrate Pulekeria Low facing two counts of abuse of office. She is alleged to have failed to disclose her status as the sole proprietor of Maleka Investment, a vendor actively engaged with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), from which she reportedly profited $182,404.99.
Defense lawyer Mohammed Saneem explained in court that the delay in receiving the second set of disclosures from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was due to another warrant executed for the seizure of a vehicle owned by Ms. Raj. FICAC prosecutor Lavenia Ravui Kadavu stated that while the disclosures were prepared, additional statements needed to be incorporated.
The court granted the prosecution a period of seven days to provide the outstanding disclosures and respond to the defense’s application. Ms. Raj’s bail has been extended, and she is scheduled to appear in court again on August 26.