The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has made some progress in the formal extradition proceedings to return the Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, from New Zealand to face corruption-related charges at the Suva Magistrate’s Court.
Mr Pryde, who has been absent from the office since his reinstatement in January 2025, had his case called before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad today.
Mr Pryde faces one count of Abuse of Office, alleging that while serving as the Director of Public Prosecutions, he approved and received four gratuity payments amounting to $138,445.05 without obtaining the necessary approvals from the Office of the President and the Judicial Services Commission.
In the alternative, he is charged with Causing a Loss, on the basis that he dishonestly caused financial loss to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions by accepting these unauthorised payments.
He also faces a second count of Abuse of Office, alleging that he approved and received eight reimbursements totalling $47,053.03 for airfares for his wife and child, despite knowing they did not reside with him in Fiji, which is contrary to the conditions of his employment contract and in breach of procurement policy.
In the alternative, he is charged with obtaining a financial advantage, for knowingly receiving payments to which he was not entitled.
The third count is Causing a Loss, alleging that on or about 16 September 2022, Mr. Pryde was reimbursed $7,828.56 for unused air tickets. Although the airline refunded him directly, he failed to return the amount to the ODPP.
Prosecutor Joseph Works provided Mr Prasad with the update this morning.
In the meantime, the case will be called on December 12 for FICAC to provide further updates.
