Twist in Chaudhry trial

An interesting twist has emerged in relation to the trial where former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry is charged with 12 counts of money laundering.

Chaudhry's lawyer Queens Counsel, Peter Williams while making his submissions informed the High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar that Chaudhry, had informed the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum that he had the money given in India with him.

QC Williams told Justice Goundar that his client thought he was entitled to keep the money as he had already informed the Government.

Chaudhry is charged with 12 counts of money laundering, tax evasion and giving false information to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority.

Chaudhry's lawyer has applied for a stay order against this case and the judgment on the matter will be made on notice by Justice Goundar.

Story by: Filipe Naikaso and Shavez Parkinson