Vehicle case against Riyaz Sayed Khaiyum and Vimlesh Sagar discontinued

The case involving former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation CEO, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Vimlesh Sagar, has been discontinued.

State Prosecutor Lilian Mausio stated that after re-evaluating the file, she applied under Section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act to discontinue the matter against both accused.

Chief Magistrate, Josaia Waqaivolavola has also lifted the stop departure order for this case only.

Sayed-Khaiyum was earlier accused of circumventing the tender process outlined in FBC’s financial manual when purchasing his 3.0L Volkswagen Touareg for $207,240.

However Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Vimlesh Sagar are still facing other charges.

Sayed-Khaiyum is charged 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.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred between September 1st and November 1st 2022.

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, and did arbitrary acts namely initiating 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 the 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.

This case will be called tomorrow.