News
COUPLE CHARGED FOR CORRUPTION
Posted by Media Team 07 December 2023
A coupled appeared before the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) on corruption related offences.
Kelereani Waqauru has been charged with General Dishonesty – Obtaining A Gain while Noa Bola has been charged with Aiding and Abetting General Dishonesty – Obtaining A Gain.
It is alleged that between 1 February 2019 to 28 February 2019, Kelereani Waqauru with the intention to dishonesty obtain a gain had falsely declared on the Parenthood Assistance Payment Programme Form that her infant baby was born after 1 August 2018 and is not deceased and obtained a gain amounting to FJD$500 from the Ministry of Economy.
On the charge relating to Noa Bola, it is alleged that between 1 February 2019 to 28 February 2019 aided and abetted Kelereani Waqauru with the intention to dishonestly obtain a gain, had falsely declared on the Parenthood Assistance Payment Programme Form that her infant baby was born after 1 August 2018 and is not deceased and obtained a gain amounting to FJD$500 from the Ministry of Economy.
State Counsel Josann Pene informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been served.
Resident Magistrate Mr Krishan Prasad granted a non-cash bail of $1,000 and ordered the couple not to re-offend whilst on bail.
Kelereani Waqauru and Noa Bola were ordered not to interfere with the prosecution witnesses, not to change their residential addresses without first informing the Court and to surrender their travel documents to the Court.
Kelereani Waqauru and Noa Bola were also ordered to report to the FICAC Office once a month on the last working day of each month.
A stop departure order has been issued against Kelereani Waqauru and Noa Bola.
The matter has been adjourned to 31 January 2024 for plea and legal representation from Legal Aid Commission.