News

MAN SENTENCED FOR FRAUD INVOLVING PUBLIC FUNDS

Posted by Media Team 15 July 2026

Nick Stark has been sentenced by the Suva Magistrates Court after being convicted of one count of Conspiracy to Defraud – Obtaining a Gain, contrary to section 327 of the Crimes Act 2009, and one count of Aiding and Abetting Obtaining a Financial Advantage, contrary to sections 45 and 326(1) of the same Act.

Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne imposed a total sentence of 24 months’ imprisonment. Of that sentence, 21 months was suspended for three years.

In determining the custodial component, the Court took into account the three months Mr Stark had already spent in remand.

Mr Stark was also fined $1,000. In default of payment, he is to serve 100 days’ imprisonment.

The offences arose from a fraudulent reimbursement claim submitted to the Department of Heritage and Arts in 2019.

The Court found that Mr Stark assisted his former spouse to dishonestly obtain $660 from the Department by preparing receipts which were used to support the false claim.

Mr Stark received $220 from the funds obtained.

In sentencing, the Court considered Mr Stark’s comparatively limited role, the amount he personally received, his previous good character, his status as a first offender, his personal circumstances and the period he had spent in remand.

The Court nevertheless emphasised that offending involving public funds required a deterrent sentence.

Mr Stark has 28 days to lodge an appeal.

Mr Stark represented himself during the proceedings. The prosecution was conducted by Acting Manager Legal Mr Joseph Work and Counsel Ms Shamama Khan.