Probe into alleged illegal native land deals

REPORTS of alleged native land swindling in Vanua Levu are being investigated.

The alleged cases, mostly focused in the Labasa area, resulted in the interrogation of iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) officers and a few businesspeople.

The iTaukei Land Trust Board headquarters in Suva confirmed to this newspaper the investigation is being handled by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

The TLTB could not comment further on the issue.

FICAC revealed to this newspaper it would not release any information at this stage.

However, last month, TLTB chief executive officer Tevita Kuruvakadua told this newspaper they were aware of a complaint raised by a landowner through a whistleblowing platform.

“Our internal audit team is currently investigating this week (September 19, 2020).”

It is understood three TLTB officers and a few businessmen were questioned by FICAC officers at the Labasa Police Station last week.

A real estate agent also told this newspaper he was asked by

FICAC officers to inform them about the legal procedures involved in the sale of native land.

It is understood the businessmen allegedly involved directly targeted mataqali leaders for the sale of their land.

Landowners in Labasa, at a recent talanoa session with the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama also raised similar concerns.

The mataqali Waikovu of Naseakula

Village, in the talanoa session told Mr Bainimarama they were not aware of plans by a businessman in Labasa to subdivide their land in Vakamasisuasua Subdivision. Clan representative Vani Irvin said they found out from an agent who was advised by the businessman to subdivide the land.

Mrs Irvin told Mr Bainimarama this breached the contract the businessman had with them.