Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and FBC CFO granted bail in abuse of office and general dishonesty case

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and FBC's Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar have been granted bail.

Both appeared before Suva Magistrate Krishan Prasad this afternoon.

The first-phase of disclosures have also been served.

Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is charged by FICAC with one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss while Vimlesh Sagar is charged with one count of general dishonesty – causing a loss.

In a separate case Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty – causing a loss while Sagar is charged with one count of general dishonesty – causing a loss.

It is alleged that between 1st July 2017 to 31st January 2023 while being employed as the CEO of FBC Sayed-Khaiyum abused his office, did arbitrary acts namely initiated five legal proceedings on behalf of FBC without the knowledge and approval of the Board of Directors which amounted to $138,813.

It is also alleged that between 1st July to 31st January 2023 Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum dishonestly caused a loss to FBC by pursuing legal cases which were not in interest of the company amounting to $138,813 knowing that the loss would occur or that there was a substantial risk that the loss would occur to FBC.

Meanwhile, it is alleged that between 1st January to 31st December 2023 Sagar dishonestly caused a loss to FBC by approving payments made to R Patel Lawyers without the Board of Director’s approval amounting to $15,075 knowing that the loss would occur or that there was a substantial risk that the loss would occur to FBC.

Magistrate Prasad granted a non-cash bail of $5000 with two sureties bonded with $5,000 non-cash bail and ordered them not to re-offend while on bail and not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.

A stop-departure order has been issued while they are also required to surrender their travel documents.

Magistrate Prasad had refused the second surety of Vimlesh Sagar as he was not satisfied that the surety would ensure that he'll attend all the court dates.

The matter has been adjourned to 26th of August for the second phase.