FICAC Granted Time to Reassess Legal Proceedings Against Former FBC Executives

The Suva Magistrates Court has granted the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) 14 days to confirm its position on the remaining criminal proceedings against former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and current CFO Vimlesh Sagar.

The decision followed a submission by FICAC Senior State Counsel Arieta Vaganalau, who informed the court that the prosecution is reviewing the matter and the agreed facts for the Pre-Trial Conference.

Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele approved the request after no objections were raised by defence counsels Gul Fatima (for Sayed-Khaiyum) and Ritesh Singh (for Sagar).

Fatima also advised the court that she intends to make further representations to FICAC.

The matter has been adjourned to 3 June 2025.

Sayed-Khaiyum is currently facing one count of Abuse of Office for Gain, for allegedly initiating five legal proceedings on behalf of FBC between July 2017 and January 2023 without board approval. He also faces an alternate charge of General Dishonesty – Causing a Loss, with the legal actions allegedly resulting in a financial loss of $138,813.37 to the company.

Sagar is charged with one count of General Dishonesty – Causing a Loss, for allegedly approving payments totalling $15,075.88 to R Patel Lawyers without the FBCL Board’s approval.

In a separate development, FICAC has discontinued a second case involving the pair, related to the purchase of a company vehicle.

Sayed-Khaiyum had been charged with Abuse of Office for allegedly bypassing FBCL’s tender process to procure a Volkswagen Touareg worth $207,470.00, as well as an alternate charge of dishonestly causing a loss of $84,470.00 to the company.

Sagar was also charged in this matter for allegedly approving related payments, contributing to the same financial loss.

FICAC Principal State Counsel Lilian Mausio filed a Nolle Prosequi application under Section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act, confirming that the case had been dropped after a full review of the evidence.

Following the discontinuation, Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola lifted all bail conditions, including the Stop Departure Orders for both defendants.