News

Court Convicts Former TLTB Employee and Businessman in Bribery Case

Posted by Media Team 20 February 2026

A former senior employee of the iTaukei Lands Trust Board (iTLTB) and a businessman have been convicted of bribery offences totalling $9,250 by the Labasa Magistrates Court.

Former iTLTB Legal Officer North, Kelepi Ratule, was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with 4 counts of bribery.

Varun Consultants and Investment director, Varun Anand, was convicted on 2 counts of offering advantages.

The court heard that between 1 November 2019 and 31 December 2019, Mr Ratule solicited $8,000 from Mr Anand to perform acts in his capacity as a public servant.

Mr Anand offered $1,250 in advantages to Mr Ratule for the same purpose.

In one instance, Mr Ratule requested favours from Mr Anand, who in return sought updates on iTLTB applications lodged by his consultancy clients.

In another, Mr Ratule requested a fare from Mr Anand and subsequently provided information on certain leases, assuring assistance to the businessman.

Resident Magistrate Safaira Ratu, in delivering judgment, stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt on all 6 counts, and both accused were convicted accordingly.

Mr Ratule and Mr Anand have 28 days to appeal their convictions.

The 2 men were represented by Nemani Tuifagalele and John Prasad respectively while FICAC Counsel, Sameea Nisa appeared for the prosecution.