A total of 39 complaints were lodged with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) last month.
In its October update, the local anti-corruption body stated that, of the complaints registered with its office, 27 were deemed non-corruption-related and referred to the appropriate authorities. The remaining 12 complaints involved corruption allegations and were either investigated or are under preliminary investigation.
In the same month, FICAC charged three individuals in two separate cases. The charges include obtaining a financial advantage, falsification of documents, general dishonesty causing a loss, and abuse of office.
A total of five FICAC-related cases were disposed of in the courts during the month. These cases were either withdrawn or dismissed due to insufficient evidence or witness unavailability:
- FICAC vs. Ashok Kumar & Sashi Kant – Case withdrawn on 1 October due to lack of evidence.
- FICAC vs. Shameem Khan – Case withdrawn on 4 October for the same reason.
- FICAC vs. Valami Koro – Case withdrawn on 14 October after witnesses failed to appear.
- FICAC vs. Alberta Sautu & Yuen Yei Ha – Acquittal on 14 October by the Suva Magistrates Court.
- FICAC vs. Pita Raiqeu & Abinesh Singh – Case withdrawn on 15 October under Section 162 (2) (b) (ii) of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Alongside legal actions, FICAC continues to strengthen its preventative approach, focusing on education and awareness. In October, FICAC’s Corruption Prevention Department carried out 30 training sessions, reaching 2,792 participants across various sectors of society.
These sessions included:
- Anti-Corruption Awareness Training for public sector institutions (9 sessions)
- Good Kiddo Program for primary school students (8 sessions)
- Best Practices in Free Education Grant Utilisation for school management committees (7 sessions)
- Ethics, Values & Anti-Bribery Workshops for public sector employees (6 sessions)
