Hearing date set for Sayed-Khaiyum, Sagar

The case against former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) chief executive officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and FBC former chief financial officer Vimlesh Sagar, will be called on June 3; the pair appeared before Magistrate Charles Ratakele in Suva yesterday.

They are facing charges relating to alleged abuse of office and dishonesty, with the court granting them 14 days to address pre-trial matters. Their bail has been extended.

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

The charges stem from alleged incidents occurring between September 1 and November 1, 2022. Prosecutors allege that between July 1, 2017, and January 31, 2023, while serving as CEO with FBC, Sayed-Khaiyum initiated five legal proceedings without the knowledge or approval of the FBC Board, incurring costs amounting to $138,813.

He is further accused of knowingly pursuing legal actions not in the company’s interest, allegedly causing a financial loss to FBC of the same amount.

The case returns to court next month as pre-trial discussions continue.

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