News

Full disclosure ordered for Defence

Posted by Media Team 10 January 2025

A former Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Finance Officer Ms Sarika Devi Raj appeared in court yesterday facing serious corruption charges.

Suva Magistrate Pulekeria Low has ordered the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to provide full disclosure of evidence to the defence within 14 days.

Ms Raj is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption with two (2) counts of Abuse of Office.

It is alleged that between 20 September 2019 and 19 June 2020, Ms Raj, whilst employed with the RFMF in the Accounts section, did arbitrary acts for the purpose of gain, amounting to $182,404.99.

It is alleged that Ms Raj failed to declare that she was the sole proprietor of Maleka Investment, an active vendor for the RFMF, an act which was prejudicial to the rights of the institution.

During the court proceedings, State Counsel informed Court that Prosecution has served further disclosure that Defence requested. However, Ms. Raj's counsel, Mohammed Saneem, raised concerns regarding the incomplete disclosure of information by FICAC. In response, FICAC counsel, clarified that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) does not operate under a formal Human Resource Policy but instead relies on the internal manuals for guidance and operational procedures.

Ms Ravuikadavu clarified that Mr Saneem, the defence counsel, should submit a written request to her office specifying the RFMF manuals required for his client's defense.

Ms Ravuikadavu informed the court that there are approximately 150 manuals, and the specific requests will be facilitated through the FICAC investigating officer assigned to the case. However, as far as prosecution was stand was,

Magistrate Low has given FICAC 14 days to provide full disclosures relating to Ms Raj’s case and the matter has been adjourned to 23 January, 2025 at 10.30am for full disclosure and bail variation ruling.

The bail has been extended to the accused.