Former HECF chairman faces corruption charges

Former Higher Education Commission Fiji chairman and interim director Steven Chand appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court today charged with one count of abuse of office and two counts of bribery.

FICAC alleges Chand used his position between 23 May 2024 and 17 February 2026 to favour Australian Vocational Management Pty Ltd, Australian Pacific Management & Training Pte Ltd and associated persons in securing HECF recognition and registration.

The abuse of office charge relates to his work as an independent consultant for Australian Vocational Management during his tenure as HECF chairman.

The bribery charges concern two transfers totalling $36,252.50 into a joint bank account and 16 transfers totalling $286,215.59 into his personal account. FICAC says the payments came from RJ Global Investment Pty Ltd between October 2024 and February 2026.

FICAC Principal State Counsel Susan Serukai told Resident Magistrate Joseph Daurewa that first-phase disclosures had been served and applied to transfer the case to the High Court.

Defence lawyer Hemendra Nagin opposed the application, saying second-phase disclosures should be served first.

Chand was granted bail with a $10,000 cash bond and two sureties. He surrendered his passport, was placed under a stop departure order and was ordered not to contact prosecution witnesses.

The matter returns to court on 10 December 2026 to check on second-phase disclosures.