TWO men charged with fraud-related charges appeared at the High Court in Suva today.
Laisiasa Valesu, the former land acquisition officer for Water Authority of Fiji, is charged with a count each of abuse of office, forgery and obtaining a financial advantage while Pauliasi Waite Simione is charged with a count of aiding and abetting obtaining a financial advantage.
It is alleged Mr Valesu facilitated the processing of false payments by using false documents pertaining to the Muanikau 5G Project and the Nabukalou Project and gained $334,496.18 between June 1, 2013, and May 31, 2016, from WAF in Suva.
Mr Simione is alleged to have aided and abetted Mr Valesu to commit the offence in obtaining part of the said financial advantage in the amount of $26,402.38.
Both men pleaded not guilty before judge Justice Daniel Goundar.
FICAC lawyer Laite Bokini informed the court that all disclosures had been served and that the prosecution would rely on the admissions in the caution interviews of both accused persons.
Defence lawyer Lavinia David sought time from the court for Mr Valesu to confirm their position on the contents of the caution interview.
She said the defence for Mr Simione rested on the basis that he had no knowledge of the crimes being committed.
The case has been adjourned to June 3.
