Police yet to receive Fiji Sports Council investigation report

The report into investigations involving Fiji Sports Council (FSC) chief executive officer Gilbert Vakalalabure has not yet been submitted to the Fiji Police Force.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by lawyer Tomasi Tuitoga of the Haniff Tuitoga law firm, which is providing legal advice on the matter.

It is understood that the report, which exceeds 100 pages, outlines several findings, including allegations involving the misuse of more than $1 million.

Asked whether the report had been provided to Police and when that would occur, Tuitoga said: "I personally have not. FSC will probably do that."

He added that it was unlikely the report would be referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

The report was handed to the legal team following the completion of an investigation conducted by Pherrus Financial Services.

Asked whether FSC had received legal advice on the report prepared by Pherrus Financial Services, Tuitoga said: "Yes, but only on certain aspects of the report."

More than 16 issues were identified in the Terms of Reference for the investigation, which began on March 6. Vakalalabure and operations manager Litia Senibulu were sent on leave pending investigations on the same day.

Among the matters examined were the Fiji Airways-FSC contra deals, which were allegedly misused by Vakalalabure to cover travel expenses for the spouse of Jese Saukuru to attend a sevens tournament in New Zealand last year.

Saukuru was removed from his ministerial position by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on March 7 following allegations of abuse of office. He was reappointed on May 6.

The contra arrangements also allegedly covered travel expenses for Vakalalabure's wife to travel from New Zealand to attend a family function.

Other issues investigated included the FSC Under-20 Rugby Sevens team's trip to Hamilton, sponsored sporting tournaments, and the restructuring of operations and staffing, including salary increases.