The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) team leader investigations testified that former FijiFirst Member of Parliament, Vijendra Prakash, had stopped claiming Parliamentary allowances claims since March of 2020.

Prakash is charged by FICAC with one count each of false information to a public servant and obtaining financial advantage.

He is alleged to have obtained financial advantages in breach of the Parliamentary Remunerations Act of 2014.

Prakash is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Waidracia, Vunidawa, Nabuni, Naluwai, Naita- siri, and allegedly obtained $33,670 between August 2019 and March 2020.

The trial is presided over by the Anti-Corruption High Court Judge Justice Dr Thushara Kumarage.

Testimony

Milika Cakacaka testified that she was aware that after March 2020, Prakash did not submit any claim forms to the Parliament.

She also said that she was aware that Prakash’s health was deteriorating in 2020.

However, she said she was not aware that due to Prakash’s health conditions and COVID-19 in Fiji, he had moved to Omkar Road in Narere, Nasinu.

When Prakash’s lawyer Siddharth Nandan questioned the witness whether the investigation team had questioned or conducted an interview with Prakash’s wife, children and family members at the property, she said no.

Ms Cakacaka told the court that the team of investigators had obtained Energy Fiji Limited documents and records of Prakash regarding his house on Omkar Road, Narere, Nasinu.

She also said that the investigators also obtained Water Authority of Fiji documents and information relating to Prakash’s account for Omkar Road, Narere, Nasinu.

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