News

FORMER LTA OFFICER CHARGED BY FICAC

Posted by Media Team 09 January 2024

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has charged a former Customer Service Officer of the Land Transport Authority for corruption related offences.

Sakeasi Turaga Talevakarua appeared before the Suva Magistrates Court on 29 December 2023 charged with one count of Causing a Loss.

It is alleged between 1 September 2017 and 31 July 2018 in the Central Division, Sakeasi Turaga Talevakarua dishonestly caused a loss to the Land Transport Authority of Fiji by receiving and receipting cash payments for seventeen (17) applications relating to vehicle annual renewals and vehicle ownership transfer, amounting to $17,693.20 from Land Transport Authority of Fiji customers before causing the cancellation of the said receipts in the online LTASoft System so that the payments were never credited to the Land Transport Authority’s accounts, knowing that the loss would occur or that there was a substantial risk that the loss would occur to the Land Transport Authority of Fiji.

FICAC Acting Senior State Counsel Arieta Vaganalau informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been served.

Resident Magistrate Mr Savou granted a non-cash bail of $2000 and ordered Talevakarua not to re-offend whilst on bail.

Sakeasi Turaga Talevakarua was also ordered not to interfere with prosecution witnesses and not to change his residential address without first informing the Court.

Resident Magistrate Mr Savou informed Talevakarua to seek the assistance from Legal Aid Commission for legal representation.

The matter has been adjourned to 16 February 2024 for second phase of disclosures and plea to be taken.