FICAC starts extradition proceedings against Pryde

FICAC has started extradition proceedings against Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde this morning.

Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika brought forward the extradition proceedings pursuant to part 8 of the Extradition Act.

The case was brought before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning.

Magistrate Prasad asked FICAC if they had any objection to his conflict of interest that he had declared earlier as he had worked with Pryde at the DPP’s Office for over 10 years.

Since there was no objection from FICAC, Rokoika brought in the first part of the application where the FICAC Investigation Officer Cema Bolawaqatabu and Legal Manager Adi Laite Bokini Tuiloa were sworn in.

Magistrate Prasad has given FICAC 28 days before he checks on their case again as it gets filed to the Attorney General’s Office.

FICAC says the charges relate to allegations that Pryde approved and received payment to which he was not entitled during his tenure as the DPP.

The case will be called again on September 15th.

Pryde faces one count of abuse of office, where it is alleged that while serving as the DPP, he approved and received four gratuity payments amounting to $138,445.05 without obtaining the necessary approvals from the Office of the President and the Judicial Services Commission.

In the alternative, he is charged with causing a loss, on the basis that he dishonestly caused financial loss to the Office of the DPP by accepting these unauthorised payments.

FICAC says Pryde also faces a second count of abuse of office, where it is alleged that he approved and received eight reimbursements totalling $47,053.03 for airfares for his wife and child, despite knowing they did not reside with him in Fiji, which is contrary to the conditions of his employment contract and in breach of procurement policy.

They say in the alternative, he is charged with obtaining a financial advantage, for knowingly receiving payments to which he was not entitled.

FICAC says the third count is causing a loss, where it is alleged that on or about 16th September 2022, Pryde was reimbursed $7,828.56 for unused air tickets.

They add although the airline refunded him directly, Pryde allegedly failed to return the amount to the Office of the DPP.