The High Court in Suva has ordered the forfeiture of $52,312.24 — determined to be tainted property — from the bank account of former military officer Ledua Biuvuli Matai, to the State.
The lawsuit involves the owner, Taucilagi Duri, her husband Mr Matai, a former principal accounts officer and later chief of staff of the RFMF’s finance department, and their daughter-in-law, Denise Seniroqo.
Between November 2019 and June 2022, a total of 76 transactions and payments totalling $467,616.41 were allegedly paid out directly by the RFMF to an approved vendor — Ink Escape Supplies — of which Ms Duri and Ms Seniroqa were listed as company directors.
Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) investigated the RFMF complainant.
It revealed a pattern in which the RFMF payments would go to Ink Escape Supplies then a cash cheque withdrawal would be made from the company’s bank account. The cash was then deposited into Mr Matai’s account between November 2019 and June 2022.
The prosecution had filed an originating summons seeking a declaration that the funds in Mr Matai’s account were proceeds of crime and should be forfeited to the State.
FICAC also sought an order requiring Mr Matai to repay an equivalent amount to what he allegedly misappropriated.
In a ruling last week, Justice Chaitanya Lakshman noted that FICAC’s affidavit in support remained uncontested by Mr Matai and Ms Seniroqa.
Justice Lakshman concluded that on the balance of probabilities, the $52,312.24 in Mr Matai’s account constituted tainted property and ordered it forfeited to the State.
“The forfeited monies are to be paid into the Forfeited Assets Fund,” stated the judge.
