Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Charged with Abuse of Office

Minister for Fisheries, Kalaveti Ravu has been issued a stop departure order and directed by the Sigatoka Magistrate’s Court to surrender his travel documents.

This was after Ravu and Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry regional manager North, Tekata Toaisi appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou for charges of abuse of office.

The duo was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Ravu appeared with one count of abuse of office while Toaisi appeared with two counts of aiding and abetting in the abuse of office.

It is alleged that between July 25 and August 31, 2023, Ravu interfered in the lawful process of a Ministry of Fisheries and Forests investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer.

It is alleged that Toaisi, while being employed with the ministry, aided and abetted the minister in committing the offence of abuse of office.

During the court proceedings, following their release on a non-cash bail bond of $1000, Magistrate Savou disregarded Ravu’s three sureties on the basis that they did not meet the requirements of the bail condition.

Magistrate Savou said they were all younger than the accused and there was a high chance that they would submit to his authorities as a minister.

Ravu presented one of his cousins and an executive officer from the ministry, who were both younger than him, and another man who had no relationship with him.

After a short adjournment, his lawyer, Kalisito Maisamoa informed the court that Ravu was willing to pay $1000 cash bail bond. He asked the court to grant him this as he had a Parliament sitting today in Suva.

Magistrate Savou then granted his cash bail bond of $1000 while Toaisi was released on a non-cash bail bond of the same amount.

Meanwhile, FICAC legal manager, Laite Ratu informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures was served.

Strict bail condition 

Both accused were ordered: 

• not to re-offend whilst on bail;
• not to interfere with the

Prosecution witnesses, 

• surrender of travel documents to the Court Registry.

A Stop Departure Order was also issued against them.

They were ordered to report to the Nabua and Lami Police Station on the last Saturday of every month starting on July 27, 2024. Magistrate then adjourned the matter to July 29.

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