The man who was found dead in Sawani on Thursday morning, is alleged to have been the mastermind in the Makoi land scam.

The 54-year-old was hanging from a tree. Police are still investigating the incident.

Makoi Scam

The man and an accomplice were alleged to have conned more than 80 people. They were offering land that was already leased to a private company, K Bhindi Brothers Limited.

The two were alleged to have taken more than $100,000 from some individuals and had issued receipts. Some of the receipts were stamped with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing stamp.

The matter was reported to the Ministry of Housing after some women became suspicious and the matter was reported to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Investigations by the Fiji Sun revealed that the two men had started the scam more than a year ago where squatters from Wailea settlement in Vatuwaqa were promised leases and titles in exchange for a deposit of $300.

Many of those who gave money to the alleged scammers are hoping for justice to prevail even after the death of one of the alleged scammers.

The second man implicated in the scam has been reporting to FICAC and has made claims that he was unaware that it was a scam. He denied handling any money except for those he was ordered to pick up by the alleged mastermind.

FICAC is still investigating the cases.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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