A 26-year-old, former bank officer at the Fiji Development Bank appeared in the Suva Magistrates court this afternoon facing corruption related charges.

Joji Cavalevu is charged with one count of obtaining financial advantage.

It is alleged that between 1st October last year and October 31st this year, Cavalevu misrepresented the terms and conditions stipulated in the approved loan offered by FDB to one Tevita Mirasavu.

As a result of his action, Cavalevu obtained a financial advantage of $4,000 knowing he was not eligible to receive the said financial advantage.

In the alternative count he has been charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception.

It is alleged that Cavalevu obtained $4,000 from Mirasavu by deceiving him that he would have to remit $5,000 to FDB as bank fees upon disbursement of the loan when in fact there was no such obligation under the approved loan.

Cavalevu has been released on $3,000 bail bond with two sureties in the same sum.

The Suva Magistrate has placed a travel ban on Cavalevu and has ordered him to surrender his travel documents to the court.

He has been ordered to report to FICAC office every Friday and not to interfere with prosecution witness.

The matter has been adjourned to 27th February.