Former Fisheries and Forests Minister Kalaveti Ravu has received permission to travel abroad later this month. However, the Magistrates Court has mandated that Ravu must submit his travel itinerary to the Court Registry before his passport can be returned and a stop-departure order lifted.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou stated, “The application for bail variation is granted. However, the passport and the lifting of the stop-departure order will occur 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 alongside Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is accused of aiding and abetting this wrongdoing. The allegations suggest that between July 25, 2023, and August 31, 2023, Ravu interfered with a legitimate investigation by the Ministry of Forestry into the illegal trade of restricted species of beche-de-mer. It is further alleged that Toaisi assisted Ravu in the commission of the abuse of office.
The proceedings have been postponed until January 7 for the finalization of the Pre-Trial Conference, and bail has been extended for both individuals involved.