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FORMER ASSISTANT PROVINCIAL TREASURER CHARGED BY FICAC
Posted by Media Team 23 April 2024
The former Assistant Provincial Treasurer at the Kadavu Provincial Council fronted the Suva Magistrates Court on Thursday, 18 April 2024 charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Suliasi Lau has been charged with seven (7) counts of Obtaining A Financial Advantage and four (4) counts of Falsification of Documents.
On the count of Obtaining A Financial Advantage, it is alleged that between 1 June 2019 and 31 July 2019, Suliasi Lau in the Central Division, whilst being employed as the Assistant Provincial Treasurer at the Kadavu Provincial Council, received cash payments which were collected and/or received as provincial levies from four (4) villages in Kadavu and failed to deposit the same into the Kadavu Provincial Council account and as a result of the conduct, obtained a financial advantage in the sum of FJD $4,580 for himself knowing he was not eligible to receive that financial advantage.
Furthermore, it is also alleged that between 1 May 2019 and 31 May 2019, Suliasi Lau misappropriated the allowance of three Turaga ni Koros and as a result of that conduct obtained a financial advantage in the sum of FJD $1,200 for himself knowing that he was not eligible to receive the financial advantage.
In relation to the count of Falsification of Documents, it is alleged that between 1 May 2019 and 31 May 2019, Suliasi Lau dishonestly falsified the payment vouchers of the Kadavu Provincial Council by forging the signatures of the Turaga ni Koros with the intention of obtaining the sum in the sum of FJD $1,200.
State Counsel Ms Mary Takinana informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been served.
Acting Chief Magistrate Mr Josaia Waqaivolavola granted a non-cash bail of $1,000 and ordered the accused to not re-offend whilst on bail and not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.
A Stop Departure Order has been issued against the accused.
The matter has been adjourned to 20 May 2024 in Kadavu for mention to check on the second phase of disclosures and legal representation.
