The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has confirmed that it sought the recovery of $1.2 million in proceeds of crime linked to the conviction of Mr. Feroz Jan Mohammed.
Mr. Feroz Jan Mohammed was sentenced to a total of eight (8) years imprisonment with a minimum of five (5) years on 24 June 2015 after being found guilty of one count of Bribery of Public Official, one count of Perverting the Cause of Justice and one count of Obtaining A Financial Advantage amounting to $3 million from the then Department of National Roads (DNR).
Following his conviction, Mr. Jan filed an appeal while FICAC simultaneously pursued a conviction-based forfeiture application under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
On 9 March 2023, Mr. Jan and relevant interested parties entered into a Settlement Agreement, whereby Mr. Jan, through those parties, agreed to pay the sum of $1.2 million in lieu of forfeiture of certain identified assets.
To date, $900,000 has been deposited into the Forfeited Assets Fund in accordance with sections 71A–71E of the Proceeds of Crime Act. The remaining $300,000 is expected to be paid by mid-year, following a request for an extension by Mr. Jan’s legal representatives and the interested parties.
This settlement represents a significant step in recovering proceeds obtained through corrupt means, reaffirming FICAC’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for abusing public trust. It underscores that corruption entails not only criminal liability but also significant financial consequences, whereby unlawfully obtained assets are systematically identified, restrained, and recovered to serve the public interest.
The recovery of $1.2 million sends a strong message that no individual is beyond the reach of the law. Corruption will neither be rewarded nor allowed to go unchecked. This outcome reinforces the principle that public resources must be protected, and those who exploit public systems for personal gain will ultimately be required to repay what was wrongfully taken.
FICAC remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring individuals who benefit from corrupt practices are held accountable. Through the systematic identification, restraint, and recovery of unlawfully obtained assets, FICAC ensures that these resources are rightfully returned to the people of Fiji.