FICAC Confirms Search Into Israel Charter Flight

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has confirmed initial investigations into allegations of abuse of office concerning the Fiji Airways’ chartered flight to Israel last September.

The complaint was received last month. As per FICAC process, an initial assessment and yesterday confirmed it would open an investigation.

This was confirmed by FICAC Acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai.

More than 150 pilgrims from and the Pacific attended the Feast of the Tabernacle. It is understood that not all the pilgrims paid their airfare in full.

The complaint lodged alleges that the Minister for Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka among others for abuse of office, corruption, fraud, deception, and breach of fiduciary duty.

Among the long list of allegations that have been shared publicly lately, the complainant alleged that Mr Gavoka told the charterer, Michael Mausio, that he would use the marketing and advertising budget from Tourism Fiji to balance Fiji Airways’ Financials and cover the balance of the travel.

The complaint received by FICAC also revealed the names of close to 10 passengers that went on the trip without paying a single cent of the air fare.

Fiji Sun understands the terms of repayment, for the outstanding sum of $2.5 million, were recently revised by organisers of the trip, and sent to Fiji Airways for consideration and deliberation.

The outstanding sum was to be settled by churches and pilgrims, including a crowdfund drive initiative by itaukei business leader, Semi Tukana.

When the matter of unpaid travel was first brought to light, travellers on the pilgrimage reportedly disputed the claims saying they had also heard about the allegation before the chartered flight arrived in Tel Aviv.

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