Former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi, who is charged with one count of aiding and abetting abuse of office, has pleaded not guilty to his charges.
Toaisi and the former Minister for Fisheries Kalaveti Ravu appeared before Magistrate Joji Boseiwaqa this morning.
Ravu, who also has pleaded not guilty, is charged with one count of abuse of office by FICAC.
It is alleged that between 25th July and 31st August 2023, Ravu, as the Minister for Fisheries, interfered in the lawful process of a Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer.
It is alleged that Toaisi, while employed with the Ministry, aided and abetted the former Minister in committing the offence of abuse of office.
The case will be called again on the 19th of next month for the Pre-Trial Conference, while Magistrate Boseiwaqa has set a trial date of February 2025.
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