FICAC spent $19,022 on Christopher Pryde case

The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) incurred an expenditure of approximately $19,022 in its investigation and prosecution of former Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde. This figure was disclosed in Parliament in response to a written inquiry from Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu to the Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, Siromi Turaga.

According to the official response, about $11,000 of the total cost was allocated to FICAC's internal investigative and legal expenses, encompassing staff time dedicated to the case. An additional $8,022 was spent in New Zealand, primarily for the service of court documents and associated legal procedures required for the prosecution.

The charges brought against Pryde centered on allegations of financial impropriety, including purported gratuity payments, reimbursement claims made contrary to procurement regulations, and improper airline reimbursement payments. The total alleged financial value involved in these charges amounted to $193,326.64.

FICAC emphasized that its estimated expenditure of $19,022 should be viewed within the context of the complexity and financial significance of the matters that were the subject of the legal proceedings. The commission highlighted that the resources deployed were commensurate with the nature of the alleged offenses.

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FICAC says its estimated expenditure of $19,022 should be considered in the context of the nature and financial value of the matters that were the subject of the proceedings.