Former Fijian Ambassador to the US and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Solo Mara appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon after being charged by FICAC.
Mara is charged with one count each of Obtaining a Financial Advantage and Causing a Loss under the Crimes Act of 2009.
FICAC says Mara allegedly caused payments to be made to himself from the Washington Embassy funds amounting to FJD$38,481.17 between September 2016 and October 2017 whilst serving as the Fijian Ambassador to the United States of America.
According to FICAC, these amounts were allegedly paid through 15 payment vouchers between 1st September 2016 and 31st October 2017. FICAC says Mara allegedly used various official engagements and opportunities to obtain these financial advantages from the Embassy funds.
These included fully sponsored events by hosting agencies.
According to FICAC, despite these sponsorships, Mara allegedly re-claimed the amounts for his air tickets and per diems in breach of the Finance Manual of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Public Service (Diplomatic and Consular Services) Regulation, Finance Instructions 2010 and other related circulars issued by the Ministry.
Mara has been released on bail by Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili.
He has been released on strict bail conditions.
Mara has a separate case already before the Suva Magistrates Court where he is charged with Giving False Information and Disobedience of a Lawful order.
It was heard in court that FICAC intends to pursue this latest case separately as it is a separate matter.
A Stop Departure Order was also issued.
The case will be called again on 28th May 2020.
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