FICAC to vet sureties as Charters seeks travel to Australia

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has been directed to vet three proposed sureties in relation to Charlie Charters application to vary his bail conditions to allow him to travel to Australia for work.

Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne made the order while presiding over Charters substantive matter. Charter is charged with aiding and abetting a FICAC officer in connection with a FICAC investigation.

FICAC counsel Rusiate Diroiroi told the court the prosecution had served the second phase of disclosures and filed an affidavit opposing the bail variation application.

In his application, Charters seeks permission to travel to Australia for employment purposes.

The court asked the defence what assurances could be provided to guarantee Charters return to Fiji. Defence counsel Fatiaki informed the court that Charters wife, Vanessa Charters, would be replaced as surety with two other local sureties.

The bail variation application will be heard today, with a ruling expected tomorrow.

Charters bail has been extended.