From left: Sharun Ali, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Shaenaz Voss

Former Attorney General and Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former Executive General of Corporate Affairs, Fiji Airways Shaenaz Voss and Fiji Airways General Manager Safety, Security and Quality, Sharun Ali have been released on strict bail conditions.

The three appeared at midday at the Nadi Magistrates Court facing multiple charges from 2018-2022.

Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with 11 counts of unlawful carriage of firearm on aircraft, 11 counts of receiving a corrupt benefit, 11 counts of breach of trust by a person employed in the public service and 11 counts of abuse of office.

Voss is charged with three counts of giving a corrupt benefit and Ali is charged with 11 counts of giving a corrupt benefit.

Additionally, Voss, Ali and Fiji Link are charged with five counts of breach of mandatory reporting of security occurrences and three counts of breach of airline security.

The accused persons are charged under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994 and Crimes Act 2009.

During the court proceedings, the Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Laisani Tabuakuro, indicated that while the prosecution did not oppose bail, they requested a substantial cash bail bond of $50,000, citing the gravity of the allegations.

However, the defense lawyers Gul Fatima and Wasu Pillay opposed the cash requirement, arguing for a non-cash bail.

The Magistrate sided with the defense, setting a non-cash bail bond of $10,000 instead.

As part of their bail conditions, the accused must surrender their passports, Sayed-Khaiyum’s passport is currently held by the Suva Magistrates Court, adhere to a stop departure order, and refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses, many of whom are employed by Fiji Airways.

Each defendant is also required to provide two sureties, who are likewise subject to the non-cash bail bond.

DPP Tabuakuro confirmed that the first phase of disclosures has been filed, with a request for six weeks to submit the second phase.

The case will be called again on the 14th of November.

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Sayed-Khaiyum, Voss, Ali and Fiji Link charged