News

Businessman and Police Officers handed suspended sentence

Posted by Media Team 13 December 2024

Bharat Jogia, a businessman, and two police officers, Corporal Samuela Dakuitoga and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Iferemi Savou, were convicted and sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, by Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou.

Jogia and Dakuitoga were found guilty of one Count each of Bribery while Savou was found guilty of one Count of Abuse of Office.

In the court, it was proved that Jogia had given money to a couple as a means to support their child’s education at an overseas institute and an agreement was reached for the repayment of the entire sum.

When attempts to make payment from the couple was proven cumbersome, Jogia instituted civil proceedings against the couple in the High Court as well as lodging a formal complaint to the Fiji Police Force, specifically at the Totogo Police Station.

Thereafter, Jogia paid Dakuitoga’s return airfare to Labasa and accommodation whilst he was there as part of the investigation process.

Prior to travelling to Labasa, Dakuitoga had sought approval from Savou to allow Jogia to pay for his airfare and accommodation, which Savou gave approval for.

In his sentencing remarks, Resident Magistrate Savou considered the character references of the convicted individuals and mitigating factors, such as their service to the community and post charged delay, the court imposed a suspended sentence. The 1st and 2nd Accused were each fined $1,000.

Default in the payment of the fine by January 13, 2025, 100-days of imprisonment.

Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will appeal the sentence.