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The hearing for a former acting executive officer of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and a businessman facing alleged fraudulent charges began at the Magistrates Court in Suva yesterday.

Semisi Havea and Nilson Nilesh Narayan appeared before Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama yesterday.

Havea is represented by lawyer David Toganivalu and Narayan is represented by lawyer Jitend Reddy.

Havea and Narayan are jointly charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud causing a loss.

It is alleged that between November 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013 at Suva, they conspired together to dishonestly cause a loss to the Ministry of Health namely caused a payment to be made to Aashees Motor Repairs for the repair of vehicle no GM 382 amounting to $5458 and GM 563 amounting to $8800, knowing that the said loss would occur or a substantial risk of the loss would occur to the Ministry of Health.

Havea is also charged with three counts of general dishonesty causing a loss.

It is alleged that between November 1 and December 31, 2012 at Suva, while being employed at the Ministry of Health as acting executive officer, caused a payment to be made to Pillay Auto Repairs for the repair of vehicle no. GM 132 amounting to $1515, caused a payment to be made to Aashees Motor Repairs for the repair of vehicle no. GM 563 amounting to $8800 and GM 382 amounting to $5458, and knowing that the loss will occur or a substantial risk of the loss will occur to the Ministry of Health.

The hearing continues today.

Bail for both accused persons has been further extended.