Tuisolia pleads Not Guilty

Former Airports Fiji Limited Chief Executive Officer Ratu Sakiusa Tuisolia pleaded not guilty to 22 counts of False Pretence and 22 counts of Abuse of Office when he appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court last night.

Some of the charges dealt with substantive amounts. The court heard that on the 22nd of September 2005, despite receiving $1,377 in per diem, Tuisolia allegedly used an official AFL ANZ issued visa card to incur costs of $1,149.50 for accommodation and allegedly falsely pretended that this was his entitlement as CEO of AFL. However the court heard that the money was allegedly used for personal gain thus causing prejudice to AFL leading to Abuse of Office.

The court also heard that between 8th May 2006 to 11th May 2006, Tuisolia, despite receiving $5,147.57 in per diem to cover all expenses, allegedly used an official AFL visa card for accommodation costing $1,621.96 on an official trip to Hong Kong, falsely pretending he was entitled to it as AFL CEO.

Also, between the 2nd to the 9th of June, 2006, despite receiving per diems, Tuisolia allegedly used the same visa card for accommodation costing $2,143.74 in Sydney and Queensland, again falsely pretending that he is entitled to it.

It was revealed in court that between January 2005 to September 2006 Tuisolia allegedly misused an official AFL credit card on gym fees, bought alcohol from Victoria Wines, household items from Vinod Patel and accommodation and transportation costs overseas as well as here in Fiji.

It has also been alleged that Tuisolia used the AFL credit card to purchase alcohol from the duty free shops at the Nadi International Airport.

After the plea was taken, FICAC Prosecutor, Sophia Shah stated they wanted bail conditions which involved Tuisolia surrendering his travel documents as he is considered a flight risk, being a frequent traveler, that he does not interfere with witnesses, report to the Police station or police post every fortnight and provide an assurity.

Tuisolia's lawyer Greham Leung told the court that these conditions were disproportionate, unreasonable and over the top.

After a stand down period of 20 minutes, Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola set bail conditions whereby Tuisolia is not to interfere with witnesses and that an assurity of $1,000 be provided.

As the case went on till late into the night, Leung asked the court if the assurity could be settled today which was granted by Magistrate Waqaivolavola, however he stated it must be done by 3 this afternoon.

The case has been adjourned to the 27th of March.