Court to hear Charters’ bid to travel to Hong Kong

The Suva Magistrates Court will this week hear a bail variation application filed by Charlie Charters, who is seeking permission to travel to Hong Kong, his place of residence.

Mr Charters is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with two counts of aiding and abetting, contrary to section 45 of the Crimes Act 2009, read together with section 13G(1) of the FICAC Act 2007.

The matter was called before Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne today to confirm Mr Charters’ return from Australia.

During proceedings, defence counsel Seforan Fatiaki made a fresh bail variation application, submitting the matter was urgent due to his client’s work commitments and the need to attend his uncle’s funeral in the United Kingdom.

Mr Fatiaki requested the application be heard within the week.

FICAC State Counsel Rusiate Doidoi told the court the prosecution required time to respond.

Mr Fatiaki also applied for the release of Mr Charters’ personal electronic devices, seized under a FICAC search warrant, stating they were needed for his client’s professional and personal use.

In response, Mr Doidoi said investigations were ongoing and FICAC’s Investigation Department was extracting relevant information from the devices to identify the principal offender.

Resident Magistrate Somaratne directed that the bail variation application will be heard on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

A ruling is scheduled for April 7, 2026.

The court will also consider FICAC’s response regarding the application for the release of Mr Charters’ devices.

Mr Fatiaki further informed the court that the defence had initially intended to file an application for a stay of criminal proceedings.

However, this will be deferred pending the outcome of related matters before the High Court.