6 arrested for alleged land scam

THE Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has arrested six of eight persons allegedly involved in the illegal issuing of iTaukei land leases.

According to a FICAC statement, the six were arrested yesterday and would undergo caution interviews for their alleged involvement in the iTaukei land lease scam.

“FICAC conducted search operations where documents and files belonging to the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), lease documents, land consultancy documents, computers, laptop, USB and mobile phones that were allegedly used by these individuals to carry out the scam were also confiscated for further investigation,” FICAC said.

“Illicit drugs were also discovered at the search and handed over to police for separate investigations.”

FICAC said it commenced investigations after receiving numerous complaints from members of the public and the TLTB.

“The investigations so far have revealed that the suspects were conspiring to deceive the members of the public by facilitating these bogus land leases without following the proper process as stipulated under the law.”

FICAC reiterated a call made by TLTB to the public to come forward if they had encountered individuals who were trying to sell or deal with iTaukei land leases using fake TLTB documents.

The public is encouraged to call the 1322 toll-free line or visit the FICAC office nearest them in Suva, Lautoka or Labasa if they have fallen victim to this scam.