Former Sales and Marketing Officers of the Fiji Forest Industries were charged with corruption related offences in the Labasa Magistrates Court today.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) charged Mr. Manwar Buksh and Mr. Salend Chetty with one (1) count each of Abuse of Office, Obtaining a Financial Advantage and
Corrupt Transactions with Agents.

The men are alleged to have operated a private business, Tropex Marketing, from within the Fiji Forest Industries premises and diverting commercial business to Tropex Marketing.

It is further alleged that they informed potential Fiji Forest Industries customers that there were no timber stocks so that the customers would purchase it from their side business at inflated prices allowing the duo to obtain $119,542.06 FJD between October 2014 and June 2016.

Moreover the two allegedly used the “Show Cause” notice to falsely state that neither of them was operating a side business from within Fiji Forest Industries.

FICAC State Counsel Ms. Laite Bokini confirmed that first phase disclosures were served and informed the court that there was no objection to bail, granted that strict bail conditions were imposed.

Resident Magistrate Cama Tuberi released both the Accused on bail and issued a Stop Departure Order accordingly.

They were also instructed to surrender their passports and report to the Labasa Police Station every Saturday.

The matter was adjourned to 29 July 2019.