People smuggler to be sentenced tomorrow

A man found guilty in Fiji’s first human trafficking case will be sentenced tomorrow.

Kadali Murti appeared before High Court judge Justice Daniel Goundar in Suva yesterday afternoon charged with one count of trafficking in person and seven counts of obtaining money by deception.

The court heard that between the 1st of May up until the 10th of September this year, Murti facilitated the entry of seven Indian nationals namely Tara Chand, Yadvinder Singh, Tejbeer, Vijay Kumar, Jaswinder Singh and Lahkvir into the country telling them they would work as food packers at Marvin Farm Limited in New Zealand, if they paid him 150,000 rupees or $6,093.99 FJD.

In mitigation, Legal Aid lawyer Naomi Nawaseitoga told the court that Murti is 62 years of age, married with four children, is a retired taxi driver and seaman and is the sole provider of his family.

Nawaseitoga also told the court that Murti’s wife is bedridden and any harsh penalty against Murti will be detrimental to the welfare of his family.

She said the court should hand down a lenient sentence on Murti as he is a first time offender and that none of the victims were subject to forced labor, violence and sexual exploitation.

Meanwhile, the DPP said that human trafficking is a serious offence, and suggested that the maximum imprisonment be of 12 years.

Justice Daniel Goundar has adjourned the case to tomorrow for Murti’s sentencing.


Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa