The Magistrates Court in Suva has acquitted a businessman from fraud related charges.

Semisi Havea, 31, and Nilson Nilesh Narayan, 46, appeared before Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama for a ruling of a no case to answer application filed by their respective lawyers.

Havea was represented by lawyer,r David Toganivalu, and Narayan was represented by lawyer, Jiten Reddy.

Havea and Narayan were jointly charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud causing a loss by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

It was alleged that between November 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013 at Suva, the duo conspired 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 will occur or a substantial risk of the loss will occur to the Ministry of Health.

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

In his ruling, Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama said the prosecution had failed to prove essential elements of the charge of conspiracy to defraud causing a loss and acquitted them of the charge.

He also acquitted Havea from two out of three counts of general dishonesty causing a loss.

However, Magistrate Bodaragama said there was a case to answer in Havea’s third count of general dishonesty causing a loss. ASHNA KUMAR

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj