News

Minister for Fisheries & Forest and the Regional Manager North charged by FICAC

Posted by Media Team 27 June 2024

Minister for Fisheries and Forests Mr Kalaveti Ravu has appeared at the Sigatoka Magistrates Court this afternoon (Thursday, 27 June 2024) charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one (1) count of Abuse of Office.

Mr Ravu appeared in court alongside Ministry of Fisheries and Forests Regional Manager North, Mr Tekata Toaisi, who is being charged by FICAC with one (1) count of Aiding and Abetting Abuse of Office.

It is alleged that between 25th July 2023 and 31 August 2023, Kalaveti Ravu interfered in the lawful process of a Ministry of Fisheries and Forests investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of Beche-de-mer.

The court was also informed that Mr Toaisi, whilst employed with the Fisheries and Forests Ministry aided and abetted the Minister in committing the offence of abuse of office.

Manager Legal Ms Laite Bokini-Ratu informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been served.

Resident Magistrate Mr Jeremaia Savou has granted a cash bail of $1,000 for Mr Ravu whilst Mr Toaisi has been granted a non cash bail of $1,000.

Both accused have been ordered not to re-offend whilst on bail; not to interfere with the Prosecution witnesses with other strict bail conditions including the surrender of travel documents to the Court Registry.

A Stop Departure Order has been issued against Mr Ravu and Mr Toaisi.

Mr Ravu and Mr Toaisi have been ordered by the Court to report to the Nabua and Lami Police Station respectively on the last Saturday of every month commencing from 27 July 2024.

The matter has been adjourned to 29 July 2024.