FICAC says it is ready for Professor Biman Prasad's trial

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has told the Suva Magistrates Court it is ready to proceed to trial in the case against former Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament Professor Biman Prasad.

Apperaing before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, FICAC Manager Legal Joseph Work informed the court that the prosecution had finalised the agreed facts and documentary evidence and filed the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) minutes.

Mr Work said the prosecution would rely on both documentary and oral evidence during the trial, which is scheduled for August 10 to 14, 2026.

Defence counsel Richard Naidu confirmed the defence had received the finalised agreed facts and documents and was also ready to proceed to trial.

FICAC charged Professor Prasad with one count of failure to comply with statutory disclosure requirements.

It is alleged that on or about December 30, 2015, while serving as an office holder of the National Federation Party, he failed to comply with Section 24(1)(b)(iv) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013 by omitting to declare, in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties, his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts PTE Limited.

Professor Prasad also faces an alternative charge of providing false information in a statutory declaration.

It is alleged that on or about December 30, 2015, while serving as an office holder of the same political party, he provided false information in a statutory declaration submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties by failing to declare his directorship of Platinum Hotels & Resorts PTE Limited, thereby rendering the declaration false in a material particular.

The matter was adjourned to August 3, 2026, for mention.

Bail has been extended.