FICAC addresses oversight in Sayed-Khaiyum case

FICAC has acknowledged the public and media attention surrounding the arrest and charge of former Chief Executive Officer of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

In a statement, FICAC admits that a procedural timing oversight occurred but stresses that it did not infringe on the constitutional rights of the accused or affect Sayed-Khaiyum’s right to a fair trial.

They have clarified that the matter was addressed directly with the defence counsel, who did not see the need for a fresh arrest or overnight custody.

FICAC Acting Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika says she accepts full responsibility for the actions of her officers.

Rokoika says FICAC remains committed to improving the discharge of its mandate.

Magistrate Vinaina Diroiroi told the Acting FICAC Commissioner during the court sitting yesterday, to get it right at the first place.

Meanwhile, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Chief Financial Officer, Vimlesh Sagar have been recharged for an earlier discontinued matter.

Sayed-Khaiyum faces two charges of abuse of office and general dishonesty – causing a loss while Sagar is charged with one count of general dishonesty – causing a loss.

It is alleged that they initiated five legal proceedings on behalf of FBC without the knowledge and approval of the Board of Directors and in another case for allegedly circumventing the tender process in FBC’s finance manual in purchasing the CEO’s vehicle, a 3.0L Volkswagen Touareg.

It is alleged that between the 1st of September 2022 and the 11th of November 2022, while being employed in the civil service as the CEO of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Pte Limited (FBCL), Sayed-Khaiyum abused the authority of his office, did arbitrary acts for the purpose of gain, namely circumvented the tender process in FBCL's Finance Manual in procuring his 3.01- Volkswagon Touareg for $207,470.00, which were acts prejudicial to the rights of FBCL.

Sayed-Khaiyum is alleged to have dishonestly caused a loss to the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Pte Limited (FBCL), by procuring his 3.0L Volkswagon Touareg for $207,470, which were not in the interest of FBCL and amounting to a total loss of $84,470 to FBCL and by doing so knew that the loss would occur or that there was a substantial risk that the loss would occur to the FBCL.

Meanwhile, between the 1st of October 2022 and the 1st of December 2022, it is alleged that Sagar dishonestly caused a loss to the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Pte Limited (FBCL) by approving payments relating to the purchase of a 3.01- Volkswagon Touareg for $207,470, which were not in the interest of FBCL and amounting to a total loss of $84,470 to FBCL and by doing so knew that the loss would occur or that there was a substantial risk that the loss would occur to the FBCL.

Both were discharged on the 15th of May for this matter after FICAC submitted a nolle.