Suspended Suva lawyer Aseri Vakaloloma [left] and businessman Benjamin Padarath

Suspended Suva lawyer Aseri Vakaloloma and Benjamin Padarath appeared in the Suva High Court for an appeals matter today.

The two, last year were handed suspended sentences by the Magistrates Court after being convicted of one count each of forgery by FICAC.

In October 2009, they forged the Articles of Association of BECP Engineering Construction Fiji Ltd.

They did this by creating a web page and changing the particulars of subscribers from Adishwar Padarath of 57 Duncan Rd, Domain, Suva, to Voreqe Bainimarama of 228 Ratu Sukuna Rd, Domain, in Suva.

Vakaloloma signed as a witness to the signature while Padarath signed as one of the subscribers.

Vakaloloma who has lost his practicing certificate was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

Padarath was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

Vakaloloma is appealing against his conviction.

Today, the Suva High Court Judge gave time to Vakaloloma to file his written submission and the FICAC has been given time to reply to the submissions.

On the other hand, FICAC is appealing the sentence handed to Vakaloloma and Padarath.

The FICAC informed the court that they have not been able to reply to the appeal’s submission.

They have been given time to file their submissions.

On the next court date, the prosecution will also decide whether they will proceed with Vakaloloma’s appeal matter

The case has been adjourned to June 10th.