Former Chairman and Interim Director of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF), Stephen Shalend Chand, also known as Steve Chand, fronted the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon facing charges of abuse of office and bribery.
Mr Chand appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa on three counts sanctioned by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). He was represented by lawyer Hemendra Nagin of Sherani & Co, while Prosecutor Susan Serukai appeared for FICAC.
On the first count of abuse of office, it is alleged that between May 23, 2024, and February 17, 2026, while employed in the public service as HECF Chairperson and Interim Director, Mr Chand abused his authority to favour and facilitate the interests of Australian Vocational Management Pty Ltd (AVM), Australian Pacific Management & Training Pte Ltd (APMT), and associated individuals to secure HECF recognition and registration. The State alleges Mr Chand was simultaneously acting as an independent consultant for AVM during his tenure, an act prejudicial to the commission’s rights.
On the second count of bribery, Mr Chand is alleged to have accepted two telegraphic transfers totalling $36,252.50 FJD into his joint Home Finance Corporation account from RJ Global Investment Pty Ltd between October 9, 2024, and December 2, 2024, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
The third count of bribery alleges that between December 10, 2024, and February 2, 2026, Mr Chand accepted a further 16 telegraphic transfers totalling $286,215.59 FJD into his Bank of South Pacific account from RJ Global Investment Pty Ltd.
Magistrate Daurewa granted Mr Chand bail in the sum of a $10,000 non-cash bail bond. Under his strict bail conditions, Mr Chand was ordered to surrender his travel passport and instructed not to contact any prosecution witnesses. A Stop Departure Order was also imposed.
The matter has been adjourned to December 10 for further proceedings.
