Not guilty pleas in $207k vehicle case

A $207,470 vehicle procurement case involving two former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) executives has returned to court, with both men denying the charges against them.

Former FBC chief executive officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former chief financial officer Vimlesh Sagar appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

They pleaded not guilty to charges related to the procurement of a 3.0-litre Volkswagen Touareg.

Sayed-Khaiyum faces two counts of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss. Sagar is charged with one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.

Sagar’s lawyer, Ritesh Singh, told the court the defence had not received key disclosures, particularly documents from 2025 that would indicate whether any financial loss occurred.

He said the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) should have already provided the documents, noting the matter was well before the court.

FICAC lawyer Josann Pene was reminded in court to respond to outstanding emails regarding the disclosures.

Both men were granted bail. The case was adjourned to June 23 for a pre-trial conference.

A trial is scheduled from November 2 to 6.