THE hearing of FICAC’s application for civil forfeiture to declare the vehicle of a former military finance officer Sarika Devi Raj as tainted property has been vacated.
Before the hearing commenced at the High Court in Suva last week, prosecutor Lilian Mausio informed Justice Chaitanya Lakshman of a few preliminary issues including specific documents being sought by Ms Devi’s lawyer, Mohammed Saneem.
The RFMF has agreed to provide the required documents including Ms Devi’s suspension letter and administrative instruction (standing orders).
Ms Devi was a clerical officer (accounts) at the RFMF, and with an annual salary of $25,000, was responsible for ensuring public funds were received and expended in compliance with appropriations and other relevant laws, providing internal audit services, ensuring financial controls were in place, and revenue collections.
She was sacked on February 26 as a result of her alleged involvement with the business Maleka Kava, Maleka Investment and Sachin’s Kava. It is alleged she failed to declare her ownership in those businesses. Those businesses were added as vendors of RFMF.
Investigations started after it was alleged that fraudulent payment vouchers were made to Maleka Kava’s bank account.
FICAC alleges the payment for the vehicle in question was made from Maleka Kava’s bank account and Ms Devi had signed an offer letter with Credit Corporation for a vehicle loan of $78,000.
The prosecution alleged it was not possible for her to make the purchase through her business with Maleka Kava as her annual salary was not enough to make repayments for the loan.
Ms Devi allegedly transferred ownership of the vehicle when she was caution interviewed and charged by FICAC.
The prosecution alleged the vehicle was obtained through the proceeds of crime and was, therefore, tainted property.
Justice Lakshman has fixed a new hearing date for June 19.
