The Anti-Corruption High Court of Fiji has found former FijiFirst Member of Parliament, Vijendra Prakash, guilty for obtaining $33,670.

Prakash was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count each of false information to a public servant and obtaining financial advantage.

He obtained financial advantages in breach of the Parliamentary Remunerations Act of 2014.

Prakash falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Waidracia, Vunidawa, Nabuni, Naluwai, Naitasiri, and allegedly obtained $33,670 between August 2019 and March 2020.

In the Judgment delivered by the Anti-Corruption High Court Judge, Justice Dr Thushara Kumarage this morning, he said the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt that Prakash obtained public money.

The Judge analysed the eight-week trial and all evidences presented in court by prosecution and defence.

He said Prakash knew or believed the information he provided to the former Acting Secretary-General of the Parliament of Fiji was to be false.

The Judge further said while Prakash claimed to live at Waidracia in Vunidawa, Naitasiri, there was no iota of evidence provided to support the same.

Justice Dr Kumarage said Prakash, by providing the false information of his permanent residential address being Waidracia in Vunidawa, Naitasiri, he knew or believe it would cause the former Acting Secretary-General of the Parliament of Fiji to pay him allowances he was not entitled to.

The Court was satisfied that the prosecution proved all elements of the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

The Judge said Prakash knew that he was not eligible to receive $33,670 that he did from the Parliament of Fiji.

Prakash has been convicted for count each of false information to a public servant and obtaining financial advantage as charged.

The Judge did not remand Prakash in custody, however, Prakash is ordered to hand over his passport and travel documents.

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Story by: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj