Sayed-Khaiyum, Sagar Acquitted as FICAC Drops Charges

Former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) Chief Executive Officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and current Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar have been acquitted after the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) withdrew charges against them.

The Suva Magistrates Court acquitted the two men today, bringing an end to proceedings involving the alleged irregular procurement of a Volkswagen Touareg valued at $207,470.

The charges were withdrawn under Section 169 of the Criminal Procedure Act after FICAC considered representations made by the defence.

Magistrate Joseph Daurewa also discharged the bail conditions imposed on both men and ordered the release of their travel documents.

The case involved allegations that Sayed-Khaiyum had abused his authority by bypassing FBC’s tender procedures when purchasing the vehicle in 2022.

He faced charges of abuse of office and general dishonesty causing a loss, while Sagar was charged with general dishonesty causing a loss.

Both men had pleaded not guilty.

The defence had previously raised concerns about the prosecution’s ability to proceed with the case, particularly the availability of two key finance witnesses.

Defence lawyers Ritesh Singh and Gul Fatima had urged FICAC to reconsider the prosecution rather than proceed with a trial that could unnecessarily consume court time.

The matter had initially been discontinued in May 2025 before both men were charged again in July that year.

Following today’s acquittal, Sayed-Khaiyum criticised the prosecution and maintained that he had acted with honesty and integrity throughout his career.

Sagar also spoke about the impact the proceedings had on his reputation and family, thanking those who had supported him.

The latest decision brings the vehicle procurement case against both men to a close.