A MAN who sent thousands of dollars to senior police officer George Lagi testified that the payments were made out of goodwill and friendship and were not connected to a family complaint.
Appearing before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne as a witness for Mr Lagi, Divindra Bhagat said he sent money from Australia to the accused after the two became friends.
Mr Bhagat said some of the money was also sent after he invited Mr Lagi to Australia to visit his family, with payments intended to cover immigration expenses and airfares.
He denied that Mr Lagi had asked him for money or that the payments were made in return for assisting with a family complaint involving a vehicle.
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption alleges that Mr Lagi accepted $6580.14 from Mr Bhagat between October 1, 2012, and January 31, 2014, in connection with the performance of his duties as a CID officer.
Mr Bhagat confirmed making the transactions but maintained the money was sent voluntarily.
Before resting the defence’s case, lawyer Joji Cakau submitted that FICAC had failed to prove corrupt intent, maintaining that the money was a gift between friends and was not intended to influence Mr Lagi in the performance of his official duties.
Mr Lagi’s bail was extended, with judgment scheduled to be delivered on September 9.
