News
FICAC closes the file against Voreqe Bainimarama
Posted by Media Team 19 September 2024
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has written to the Supervisor of Elections on 24 July 2024 advising of its decision to close the file into the matter pertaining to Mr Voreqe Bainimarama on the allegation of submitting false declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities for the years 2014 - 2019 and 2022.
The matter was referred to FICAC by the Fijian Elections Office in February of this year.
Investigation findings revealed, Mr Bainimarama declared his dividend as well as declared his shared value and term saver account in which the dividend was credited.
Furthermore, investigation findings also concluded that accordance with Income Tax (Exempt Income) Regulation 2016 Schedule (Regulation 3) the allowance is exempted. This exempt income is classified for all official allowances paid to members of Parliament. However, Section 15 (c) of the Income Tax Act outlines it does not recognize any allowance to the extent expending the performance of the employee’s duties of employment which includes per diem allowance.
Based on the outcome of the investigations and the legal opinion rendered thereafter, there is insufficient evidence to support the claims made by the complainant.