SUVA lawyer Mohammed Saneem has asked the High Court to dismiss FICAC’s civil forfeiture application concerning a vehicle belonging to former Republic of Fiji Military Forces clerical accounts officer Sarika Devi.
Mr Saneem made the submission after FICAC failed to appear before Justice Chaitanya Lakshman on August 13 for the hearing.
Ms Devi’s role had included oversight of public funds, compliance with appropriations, internal audits, financial controls and revenue collection. She was dismissed following allegations of undeclared ownership in Maleka Kava, Maleka Investment and Sachin’s Kava, businesses later registered as vendors of the RFMF.
Investigations began after claims that fraudulent payment vouchers were made to Maleka Kava’s bank account. Prosecution alleges the vehicle in question was paid for from that account, with Ms Devi signing an offer letter with Credit Corporation for a $78,000 loan.
They argue her salary was insufficient to service such a loan, and that she later transferred ownership of the vehicle after being cautioned, interviewed and charged.
The prosecution claims the vehicle was obtained through proceeds of crime and is tainted property.
Justice Lakshman will deliver his ruling on August 29.