Former Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Services, Colonel Ifereimi Vasu who appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court today for one count of Abuse of Office has been warned not to interfere with witnesses.
Aslam Rashmia prosecutor with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption told the court that he has received information that Vasu has tried to interfere with witnesses.
Rashmi says this has come from Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Superintendent Kameli Ratuvakalevulevu.
He also informed the court that FICAC will ask for revocation of bail if the accused continues to contact witnesses.
Vasu’s lawyer, Babu Singh says he has not received any instructions, but will inform his client to abide by bail conditions.
Colonel Vasu is alleged to have facilitated and approved the purchase of goods worth over $131,000 from the Naboro Mini-Mart in which he is a company Director.
The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption alleges this is contrary to the Procurement Regulation 2010.
Former Director Corporate Services of Prisons and serving inmate Peniasi Kunatubaalso appeared with Vasu, charged with abuse of office for allegedly facilitating and approving the purchase of goods worth $54, 000.
Third accused, Dhansukh Lal Bhika is charged with Abuse of Office and Aiding and Abetting whilst being the Manager of the Mart between July, 2013 and December, 2014.
Bhika is alleged to have obtained a financial advantage by supplying goods to the Fiji Corrections Services, despite not being an approved supplier.
As a result the former Suncourt Managing Director is alleged to have obtained a financial advantage of $186,000 for the Naboro Mart, knowing that business was not eligible supply to the Corrections Service.
The plea has been differed to April 4th and bail has been extended.
