The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is investigating allegations of corruption, financial misconduct and policy breaches involving a Fiji Sports Council executive.
The allegations include claims that the executive misused travel funds for himself and others who were not entitled to council-funded travel.
On May 8 this year, FICAC executed a search warrant at the council. Responding to a Fiji Times query on that date, FICAC confirmed that the warrant was executed “in response to a complaint received by the commission”.
FICAC said at the time that it would not be disclosing further details “in order to preserve the integrity of the investigative process”.
The statement provided no further explanation.
Speaking to The Fiji Times on the condition of anonymity, a former council employee claimed the council had a “contra” agreement with Fiji Airways for travel.
“(The executive) used that agreement to fly his wife to and from New Zealand on business class, so that she could attend her son’s wedding,” the employee said. “The council paid for that trip.”
The informant said the contra agreement, which was intended for official council business, was also used to accommodate the business class travel of a government minister’s spouse to an international sevens tournament.
“The minister brought along two staff members whose travel expenses were covered by the council in accordance with the Financial Management Act.
“However, the council also had to cover the cost of the minister’s spouse’s ticket, who accompanied them to watch the games.”
The informant also claimed the executive had repeatedly used council funds and the Fiji Airways contra agreement to take personal trips to Vanua Levu, including boat fares and vehicle fees.
He said an official complaint had been lodged with FICAC and other relevant authorities.
Responding to questions from The Fiji Times, the executive said he would not comment as the matter was being investigated by FICAC.
FICAC acting commissioner Lavinia Rokoika told The Fiji Times that “FICAC does not comment on ongoing investigations in order to preserve the integrity of its investigative processes”.
