Police Constable charged by FICAC with 2 counts of bribery

A Police Constable of the Fiji Police Force has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with 2 counts of bribery.

It is alleged that on the 25th of May 2023 in the Western Division, Jotish Jaynendra Lal, whilst being employed as a Police Constable, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, solicited an advantage of $500 from a private individual as a reward for or otherwise on account of him performing any act in his capacity as a public servant.

FICAC says it is further alleged that on the 26th of May 2023 in the Western Division, Lal whilst being employed as a Police Constable, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, accepted an advantage of $400 from a private individual as a reward for or otherwise on account of him performing any act in his capacity as a public servant.

Junior State Counsel Joshua Prasad informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been served.

Resident Magistrate Semi Babitu granted a non-cash bail of $1,000 and ordered the accused not to re-offend whilst on bail, not to interfere with prosecution witnesses along with other strict bail conditions, including reporting to the Namaka Police Station on the last Friday of each month between 6am to 4pm.

A stop-departure order has been issued against the accused.

The matter has been adjourned to the 24th of June for mention to check on the second phase of disclosures and accused legal representation.