FICAC has yet to provide particulars of the alleged loss in its case against former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and current chief financial officer Vimlesh Sagar, who are charged over the tender and procurement of a 3.0L Volkswagen Touareg valued at $207,470.
The matter was called before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa for plea but was deferred after defence lawyers raised concerns that the prosecution had failed to respond to representations seeking further information.
Lawyer Ritesh Singh, acting for Mr Sagar, submitted that FICAC should not have laid charges if the requested information was not provided.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s lawyer Gul Fatima argued that the loss was being attributed to both men, yet critical details including how the vehicle was sold, who authorised the sale, at what value it was sold, and whether it was publicly advertised, had not been disclosed.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum faces two counts of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss, while Mr Sagar is charged with one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.
Mr Singh further told the court that a previous FICAC commissioner had withdrawn the case on the basis that there were no elements to proceed, but the current acting commissioner had recharged the matter on the same facts without furnishing the requested information.
Despite insisting that their plea to be recorded, the prosecution has sought a week to respond to the defence’s representations.
Bail for both men was extended, and their case adjourned to March 5.
