Charges Dropped Against Former FBC CEO and CFO

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has formally discontinued the first set of charges laid against former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) Chief Executive Officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar.

The charges were withdrawn this morning after FICAC lawyer Lillian Mausio filed a nolle prosequi in court, effectively ending proceedings in the matter relating to the purchase of a vehicle in 2022.

Sayed-Khaiyum had faced one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss, while Sagar was charged with general dishonesty causing a loss.

The case centred on allegations that Sayed-Khaiyum circumvented FBC’s tender procedures to procure a vehicle worth $207,470, allegedly resulting in a financial loss to the company. Sagar was accused of approving the payment despite the alleged breach of protocol.

Following the discontinuation, Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola lifted all bail conditions, including the stop departure order. Sureties for both accused have also been released.

The pair will reappear in court tomorrow for a separate case. In that matter, Sayed-Khaiyum is again charged with abuse of office and general dishonesty causing a loss, while Sagar faces one count of general dishonesty.

The second case involves allegations of unauthorised legal proceedings amounting to $138,813.37 and unapproved payments to a private law firm.