Anti-graft body ready for trial against Vasu, Kunatuba

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is ready to go to trial against former Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Ifereimi Vasu and former acting deputy Commissioner Peniasi Kunatuba.

This was indicated in the Suva High Court on Monday. FICAC lawyer Rashmi Aslam told Justice Riyaz Hamza that the agreed facts of the case had been sorted out and finalised.

Suva lawyer Naomi Raikaci appeared for Vasu and Kunatuba. The case has been adjourned to February 26 for mention to fix a trial date.

Bail for both accused men has been extended.

Charges against Vasu and Kunatuba:

Vasu is charged with one count of abuse of office.

It is alleged that whilst being employed as the Fiji Corrections Commissioner and as the director of Naboro Mart Limited, Vasu did arbitrary acts for the purpose of gain, namely facilitating and approving the purchasing of goods to the amount of $131,683 from the company.

This is contrary to the Procurement Regulations 2010, the Financial Management Act 2004, the Finance Manual of the Fiji Corrections Service which were acts prejudicial to the rights of the Fijian Government, the Fiji Corrections Service and the approved Government contractors. The incident allegedly occurred between July 11, 2013 and December 27, 2014.

Kunatuba is charged with one count of abuse of office. It is alleged that between January 31, 2013 and March 7, 2014, Kunatuba approved the purchase of goods to the amount of $54,734 from Naboro Mart Limited contrary to the Procurement Regulations 2010.