FICAC responds to defence in FBC vehicle procurement case

The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) has confirmed receiving representations from the legal teams of former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and the current Chief Financial Officer, Vimlesh Sagar. The two face charges stemming from allegations linked to the procurement of a 3.0L Volkswagen Touareg, valued at $207,470.

Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss. Vimlesh Sagar faces one count of general dishonesty causing a loss. The case was heard before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa at the Suva Magistrate Court.

FICAC lawyer Setefano Komaibaba requested time to formally reply to documents requested by the defense. Sayed-Khaiyum's lawyer, Gul Fatima, stated they would await the provided documents before proceeding with pre-trial matters. Sagar's lawyer, Ritesh Singh, also confirmed this and asked FICAC to respond to their other requests.

The matter has been adjourned to the 13th of next month for a pre-trial conference. This case was previously discontinued in May last year, with the duo being charged again two months later.