The prosecution in the money laundering case of former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry maintained that Chaudhry allegedly failed to declare the AUD$1.5 million in Fiji which was given to him in India.
Queens Counsel Clive Grossman told the court that Chaudhry took the money to Australia and kept it there without permission.
Grossman said Chaudhry then lent the money to other people whilst in Fiji without being an authorized dealer.
He said that according to the Exchange Control Act, if you are a Fiji resident money disposed overseas should be brought back to Fiji and be declared.
Queens Counsel Peter Williams who is representing Mahendra Chaudhry, informed the court that his client thought he was entitled to keep the money without authorization.
Chaudhry is charged with 12 counts of money laundering, tax evasion and giving false information to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority.
The case will continue today.
Story by: Filipe Naikaso and Shavez Parkinson
Feature
Chaudhry failed to declare the money - prosecution
