Former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and current Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar have been acquitted in the $207,470 Volkswagen tender and procurement case after FICAC confirmed the withdrawal of charges.
This is the same matter in which Sayed-Khaiyum and Sagar were re-charged following the discontinuation of the case in May last year.
FICAC says they could not meet element of the offence.
Magistrate Joseph Daurewa informed Sayed-Khaiyum and Sagar that they had been acquitted after the charges were withdrawn.
Magistrate Daurewa also discharged all bail conditions imposed on both men.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Sayed-Khaiyum said this was the second time they had been charged in the case, describing it as a conspiracy.
He alleges he had been targeted and had been unable to secure employment since he was charged.
Sayed-Khaiyum says that, having worked in the media industry for almost 30 years, he had demonstrated the utmost honesty and integrity.
He further says he had not misused a single dollar.
When asked whether he would enter politics, Sayed-Khaiyum said no.
Meanwhile, Sagar said many questions had been raised about his character and that the case had been difficult for him and his family.
He says all audits dating back to 2023 were clear.
Sagar adds that the case had tarnished his reputation.
He thanked those who had stood by him throughout the case.
Sayed-Khaiyum was charged with one count of abuse of office for gain and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.
Sayed-Khaiyum and Sagar had both pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the tender and procurement of a 3.0-litre Volkswagen Touareg valued at $207,470.
