FICAC moves to extradite DPP Pryde
Pryde is charged with Causing a Loss, for allegedly dishonestly causing financial harm to the ODPP.
Tuesday 05 August 2025 | 01:00
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has launched formal extradition proceedings to bring Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde back from New Zealand to face multiple corruption-related charges.
Mr Pryde, who has been absent from office since his reinstatement in January 2025, is facing three sets of charges related to the alleged misuse of public funds during his tenure.
He faces a primary charge of Abuse of Office, with allegations that he approved and received four gratuity payments totalling $138,445.05 without the required approval from the Office of the President and the Judicial Services Commission.
In the alternative, he is charged with Causing a Loss, for allegedly dishonestly causing financial harm to the ODPP by accepting those payments.
A second Abuse of Office charge alleges he claimed eight reimbursements totalling $47,053.03 for airfares for his wife and child, even though they did not reside with him in Fiji — a direct breach of his employment contract and procurement policy. The alternative charge is Obtaining a Financial Advantage.
The third charge is again Causing a Loss — alleging Mr Pryde was reimbursed $7,828.56 on 16 September 2022 for unused air tickets, even though he had already been refunded directly by the airline.
He is accused of failing to repay the amount to the ODPP.
As part of the extradition application, FICAC Acting Commissioner Ms Lavi Rokoika submitted affidavits to the Magistrates Court, presided over by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad.
Before hearing the matter, Magistrate Prasad disclosed a conflict of interest due to a prior working relationship with Mr Pryde spanning over a decade.
He adjourned proceedings to consult the Chief Magistrate and later returned to confirm he had been cleared to preside.
The Court requested confirmation from FICAC on whether they objected to Magistrate Prasad continuing.
Ms Rokoika said there was no objection, and the Court also noted that Mr Pryde would have the opportunity to be heard on the matter of the magistrate’s conflict.
The case has been adjourned to 15 September 2025 for a status update on the extradition process.
