State to cut 66 charges in aviation case

The State prosecution intends to reduce the 66 charges in the high-profile case involving former senior Government and aviation officials to about 30 before filing formal information in the High Court.

Former Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former Fiji Airways Corporate Affairs executive general manager Shaenaz Voss, and Fiji Airways Safety, Security and Quality general manager Sharun Ali appeared before Justice Sunil Sharma at the Lautoka High Court today.

The three are accused of corruption‑related offences and aviation security breaches, including allegations of giving and receiving corrupt benefits, misuse of office, unlawful carriage of firearms on an aircraft, and failing to report mandatory security incidents.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro said the matter had been transferred from the Nadi Magistrate Court.

She sought confirmation from the High Court before filing information, noting she had withheld filing pending clarity on whether the court would retain the case.

Justice Sharma said the transfer must have been done for a reason, indicating the matter would remain before the High Court.

Defence counsel Gul Fatima said the defence had no issue with the transfer and accepted the legal basis under the relevant provisions.

Tabuakuro sought a one-month adjournment, stating she would be engaged in a month-long trial beginning next week.

She said the State intended to reduce the current 66 counts to about 30 before filing formal information.

The defence agreed to the adjournment and suggested a return date in April.

In the case background, Sayed-Khaiyum faces 11 counts each of unlawful carriage of firearms on an aircraft, receiving a corrupt benefit, breach of trust by a person employed in the public service, and abuse of office.

Voss is charged with three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts of giving a corrupt benefit.

Additionally, Voss, Ali, and Fiji Airline trading as Fiji Link face five counts of failing to report mandatory security occurrences and three counts of breaching airline security.

The matter has been adjourned to April 14.