Press Release

Former Company Directors Jailed for Obtaining Financial Advantage

Posted by Media Team 9 January 2026

Two former directors of a company that supplied office stationery to the Public Works Department have been sentenced to 25 months’ imprisonment by the Suva Magistrates Court.

Abdul Shariff and Rajniel Wati were sentenced today by Resident Magistrate Shelyn Kiran after being found guilty of Obtaining a Financial Advantage.

The court heard that between 1 January and 31 March 2010, Mr. Shariff and Ms. Wati caused payments totalling $10,577.50 to be made by the Public Works Department to Mass Stationery Supplies without supplying the items.

Mr. Shariff managed the company’s operations, while Ms. Wati was responsible for its finances.

Resident Magistrate Kiran found that the two colluded with PWD staff by submitting false quotations for stationery and office items.

Upon receipt of the quotations, payment vouchers were raised and payments made, after which the proceeds were shared between the directors and the PWD staff.

In delivering the Sentence, Resident Magistrate Kiran stated that the accused’s actions were planned and premeditated to breach the systematic procedures in place, offending continued over 3 months, public funds were misused and by the accused’s own admissions, their actions showed their greed to get quick money.

Both accused were first offenders and persons of previous good character.

No non-parole period was fixed, allowing them the opportunity to apply for early release subject to good behaviour.

Mr. Shariff and Ms. Wati will commence their sentences immediately and have 28 days to appeal.