Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu has been charged for abuse of office for allegedly interfering in the lawful process of a ministry investigation for a suspected illegal trade of a banned species of beche-de-mer in 2023.
In a shocking twist of events, he was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption yesterday alongside Fisheries and Forests Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi.
Mr Ravu is alleged to have interfered with a Ministry of Fisheries investigation into the illegal trade of a banned species of beche-de-mer, while Mr Toaisi is alleged to have aided the minister.
FICAC documents read out in court alleged the men committed the offences between July and August last year.
In court before magistrate Jeremaia Savou, FICAC senior lawyer Laite Bokini said ministry staff would be the State’s main witnesses in the case.
She also said the first phase of disclosures had been served. While providing sureties for their bail, Mr Ravu and Mr Toaisi’s nominations were both rejected by the court.
Mr Savou ordered that Mr Toaisi look for another surety because his initial choice — Finance Manager for the Ministry of Forests — was not a suitable surety.
Mr Ravu was also ordered to find another surety as his immediate family members were not eligible.
But both men were eventually granted a bail bond of $1000 after satisfying court requirements and securing new sureties.
Mr Savou cautioned Mr Ravu not to re-offend or interfere with State witnesses while on bail.
The pair were both ordered to surrender their passports and report to the nearest police station on the last Saturday of every month.
They will reappear at the Suva Magistrate’s Court on July 29.
