Former Chairman and Interim Director of the Higher Education Commission Fiji, Steven Chand, has been charged by FICAC with corruption-related offences where he allegedly received over $322,000.
Chand appeared before the Suva Magistrates Court, facing one count of abuse of office and two counts of bribery.
It is alleged that between 23rd May 2024 and 17th February 2026, Chand abused his position as Chairman and Interim Director of Higher Education Commission Fiji to favour and facilitate the interests of Australian Vocational Management Pty Ltd (AVM), Australian Pacific Management & Training Pte Ltd (APMT), and persons associated with these entities in securing recognition and registration with the Higher Education Commission.
According to FICAC, the alleged conduct relates to Chand's position as an independent consultant for AVM during his tenure as Chairman of Higher Education Commission Fiji.
It is further alleged that between 9th October and 2nd December 2024, Chand received two telegraphic transfers totalling $36,252.50 into a joint bank account.
The transfers were allegedly made by RJ Global Investment Pty Ltd.
In a separate allegation, between 10th December 2024 and 2nd February 2026, Chand received 16 telegraphic transfers totalling $286,215.59 into his personal bank account, also allegedly transferred by RJ Global Investment Pty Ltd.
The matter was called before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa, during which FICAC Principal State Counsel Susan Serukai informed the court that the first-phase disclosures had been served on the accused.
Serukai made an application for the matter to be transferred to the High Court.
However, Defence Counsel Hemendra Nagin objected to the application, saying that the matter should not be transferred until the second-phase disclosures have been served.
Chand was granted bail under strict conditions.
The court issued a stop-departure order, and Chand surrendered his passport.
He was also ordered to pay a $10,000 cash bail bond, provide two sureties who were present in court, and refrain from contacting any prosecution witnesses.
The matter has been adjourned to 10th December for mention to check on the second-phase disclosures.
