Former RFMF Officer Faces Corruption Charges of $182,404.99

A former Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Finance Officer, Sarika Devi Raj, appeared in court yesterday, facing two charges of Abuse of Office.

It is alleged that between September 2019 and June 2020, Ms. Raj carried out actions for personal gain totaling $182,404.99.

She also failed to declare that she was the sole proprietor of Maleka Investment, a vendor for the RFMF, which violated the institution's rules.

The Suva Magistrates Court, presided over by Magistrate Pulekeria Low, has ordered the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to provide full evidence disclosure to the defense within 14 days.

The defense raised concerns about missing information, while FICAC clarified that the RFMF relies on internal manuals instead of a formal HR policy.

The defense has been asked to specify which of the 150 manuals are needed for the case.

The case has been adjourned to January 23, 2025, for a ruling on disclosure and bail variation. Ms. Raj’s bail has been extended.