Press Release

Two Accused Granted Bail in $1.6m Tender Scam Case

Posted by Media Team 9 January 2026

Two men charged in relation to an alleged tender scam, were granted bail by the Suva Magistrates Court today.

Ripon Baral is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of Abuse of Office, while Ravnil Chand faces one count of Bribery.

It is alleged that between 5 October 2017 and 15 January 2018, while employed as Manager Project Control at the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), Mr. Baral failed to declare his conflict of interest in the awarding of an FRA contract to Lomanitoba Company Limited, of which Mr. Chand is the director.

It is further alleged that between 4 January 2017 and 15 January 2018, Mr. Chand, in his capacity as Director of Lomanitoba Company Limited, offered Mr. Baral, who was also a director of Usha Investment Pte Limited, $1.6 million as an inducement to or reward for or otherwise on account of Mr. Baral performing an act in his official capacity as FRA Manager Project Control.

The two men appeared before Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele. FICAC Prosecutor, Josann Pene informed the court that First Phase Disclosures had been served on both accused.

Ms. Pene also confirmed that prosecution is not objecting to bail but sought strict bail conditions, including a non-cash bail bond of $5,000 for each accused, given the seriousness of the charges.

Resident Magistrate Ratakele granted bail on a non-cash bond of $5,000 each, with conditions that the accused attend court as required, not reoffend whilst on bail, not change their residential addresses without the court’s permission, surrender their passports, and remain in the country.

Each accused presented two sureties, which were accepted by the court.

The matter has been adjourned to 30 January 2026 for Mention to check on the Second Phase Disclosures.

The two accused were represented by Mr. Hemendra Nagin, while Ms. Pene appeared for the Commission.