FICAC lawyer Setefano Komaibaba has informed the court that the prosecution is ready to proceed to trial from 24th August in the legal fee case involving former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Chief Executive Officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and current Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar.
Komaibaba says the prosecution expects to call 10 to 15 witnesses during the trial.
Sayed-Khaiyum’s counsel, Gul Fatima, says they have not received a response to their correspondence dated 18th November last year, but with the new FICAC counsel, they hope to receive one.
Sagar’s counsel, Ritesh Singh, says they do not have any agreed facts.
Komaibaba says the defence can prepare another set of agreed facts, which he can review and respond to.
Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with abuse of office for gain and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.
It is alleged that between 2017 and 2024, he pursued five legal cases without board approval, resulting in a loss of $138,813.37.
Sagar faces one count of general dishonesty causing a loss for allegedly approving payments totalling $15,075.88 to R Patel Lawyers without board approval in 2023.
The matter has been adjourned to 31st July.
