3 LTA Staff Under Investigations Involved in Alleged Taxi Permits Scam
“Preliminary investigations are already underway to delve into the specifics of the alleged fraudulent issuance of taxi permits,” Mr Rokosawa said.
Thursday 01 February 2024 | 10:54
Land Transport Authority officials have been conducting road checks on the weekend to reduce accidents. Photo: Shratika Naidu
Three Land Transport Authority (LTA) staff members are under investigations for their involvement in an alleged scam related to the issuance of taxi permits and number plates.
It is understood that close to 90 taxi permits and number plates were issued by these LTA officers in Nadi and Lautoka respectively.
LTA acting chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa said the three LTA officers implicated in the alleged scam have been suspended from their duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
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He assures members of the public that the LTA will not tolerate any form of corruption or fraudulent activities.
“Preliminary investigations are already underway to delve into the specifics of the alleged fraudulent issuance of taxi permits,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“The LTA is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and any breach of this trust is taken seriously.”
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Scam Victims
Rajnesh Kumar said he bought the permit from those involved for $15,000 with a receipt dated June last year.
“The transaction seems all fine, I got an original number plate, ACCF documents vehicle fitness and whole works,” he said.
“Suddenly, out of the blue, LTA officers want to impound the vehicles. My taxi was seized by LTA on January 19. Now I am at a loss.”
Air Ocean Logistics Black/Rock Tours director operations Anil Prakash, said he bought two permits in September and October of last year.
“Last week LTA senior officers visited me for an interview, to seize my vehicles, I simply told them that I would be taking LTA to court,” he said.
He spent $15, 000 on each permit and went on to buy two more vehicles each of $20,000.
FICAC
The LTA has promptly reported the matter to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
FICAC and the LTA will conduct an independent and thorough investigation.
“In light of this incident, the LTA is set to review and enhance internal systems, and internal monitoring mechanisms, and implement robust risk mitigation strategies,” Mr Rokosawa said.
Issuance of Permits
Mr Rokosawa confirmed that the issuance of taxi permits will now be handled exclusively by regional managers and team leaders to restrict unauthorised access to the process.
The LTA also understands the impact of this incident on the affected individuals and the broader community.
“We encourage individuals who may have obtained taxi permits through transactions not undertaken at arm’s length or over the counter to come forward and report the matter to the Fiji Police Force, as their co-operation is crucial in assisting with ongoing investigations,” he said.
Illegal Taxi Permits and Plates
The LTA’s paramount goal is to retrieve and confiscate all illegal number plates and taxi permits linked to the implicated officers.
It is intensifying efforts to identify any additional individuals outside LTA who may have been involved in this collusion.
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