FICAC Investigating Alleged Illegal Money Transfer

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is now investigating the alleged illegal transfer of millions of dollars from the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB) to Vanua Development Corporation.

FICAC spokesperson Maraia Vavaitamana confirmed that investigations are underway but refused to reveal any information on who is expected to be questioned.

Fijivillage has received information that FICAC is trying to establish the link between NLTB, Vanua Development Corporation and Pacific Connex, and how millions of dollars were transferred from the NLTB.

It is alleged that more than $3 million which was lease money for the Schedule A and B lands were kept in an extinct mataqali account at the NLTB.

It was then allegedly transferred to Vanua Development Corporation for certain investments.

Investigators are also trying to establish the link between Vanua Development and Pacific Connex as majority of the directors of both companies are the same.

This also raises the issue of a conflict of interest and whether Vanua Development Corporation then allegedly favoured Ballu Khan's company Pacific Connex.