Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad has confirmed that he has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) today.
While details of the charges have not yet been released, it is believed he has been charged with one count of failing to declare a company directorship.
This charge is related to an earlier investigation by FICAC that was concluded in April this year.
In April, FICAC had announced it was closing a case involving Prof. Prasad in relation to declaration requirements under Section 24 of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
The complaint had been lodged by Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa, who alleged that Prof. Prasad had submitted false information in his declaration of income, assets, and liabilities for the years 2014–2020, 2022, and 2023, in his capacity as National Federation Party Leader.
At the time, FICAC said it would not proceed with prosecution, noting that no grievances had been raised for nearly a decade.
“FICAC will not be prosecuting Dr. Prasad,” the April statement had said.
It is understood that Prof. Prasad will resign from his Cabinet position following today’s developments.
Prof Prasad is to appear in court on November 19.
