The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has initiated extradition proceedings to bring suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde back from New Zealand to face charges here.
FICAC Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika filed documents in the Suva Magistrates Court today before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad.
Mr Pryde faces one count of Abuse of Office and is accused of approving and receiving four gratuity payments totaling $138,445.05 without approval from the Office of the President or the Judicial Services Commission.
Alternatively, he is charged with Causing a Loss for dishonestly causing financial detriment to the DPP’s office through these payments.
A second Abuse of Office charge aallegesMr Pryde approved and received eight airfare reimbursements of $47,053.03 for his wife and child, despite knowing they did not reside with him in Fiji, breaching his employment contract and procurement policy.
Alternatively, he faces a charge of Obtaining a Financial Advantage for these unauthorized payments.
Additionally, Pryde is charged with Causing a Loss for failing to return a $7,828.56 reimbursement for unused air tickets, refunded directly by the airline on or about September 16, 2022.
Ms Rokoika submitted affidavits, including those from the investigating officer and Legal Manager, along with a draft arrest warrant under Section 59 of the Extradition Act.
Once endorsed, the documents will be processed through the Attorney-General’s Office.
Magistrate Prasad disclosed a potential conflict of interest, having worked with Mr Pryde for over a decade, but was cleared to preside after consulting the Chief Magistrate.
Ms Rokoika confirmed FICAC had no objections, though Mr Pryde will have the opportunity to address the conflict upon his return.
The court adjourned the matter to September 15, 2025, to monitor progress on the extradition process, with FICAC given 28 days to complete necessary steps.
