A 26-year-old man in the West who has been taking money off unsuspecting individuals to facilitate their first home and first land grant applications has been arrested.
Posing as an agent of the ministry, the man who goes by the name Kissna Kumar on Facebook, would make his victims believe that they would secure the grant of up to $30,000 and demand a fee payable to him.
Investigations by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption reveal that there may be more victims who have not come forward, appealing with them to do so and lodge their complaint.
“They are also advised to provide any and all documentation and/or receipts as evidence, which will greatly assist with investigations.”
Members of the public are strongly advised that the Ministry of Housing and Community Development does not accept direct applications for the First Home And First Land Grant Scheme which was announced in the 2021 – 2022 National Budget.
Applications for the First Home And First Land Grant Scheme do not incur any service fees or charges and are to be submitted through a commercial bank, Housing Authority of Fiji, Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources or the iTaukei Land Trust Board.
Moreover, anyone who is approached by an individual who alleges that he/she is able to secure the First Home And First Land Grant up to $30,000 are advised to call and report them to FICAC immediately on 1322.
Members of the public are advised to contact the Ministry of Housing and Community Development on 330 9918 for any verifications regarding the First Home And First Land Grant Scheme. For further queries, please call the FICAC toll-free line on 1322.
