The trial of former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation chief executive officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and current FBC chief financial officer Vimlesh Sagar begins today in the Suva Magistrates Court.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum faces charges of abuse of office for gain and an alternative charge of general dishonesty causing a loss, while Mr Sagar is charged with general dishonesty.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is alleged to have pursued five legal proceedings without the knowledge and approval of the FBC board of directors at a cost of $138,813.37, which were not in the interest of the company. The alleged incidents occurred between July 1, 2017, and January 31, 2023.
Mr Sagar is charged with general dishonesty, having allegedly caused a loss by approving payments to R. Patel Lawyers without the prior approval of the FBC board, amounting to $15,075.88.
The prosecution is expected to call between 10 and 15 witnesses.
