Vimlesh Sagar and Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum

Former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Chief Executive Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar have pleaded not guilty in the Suva Magistrates court this afternoon.

Sayed-Khaiyum and Sagar appeared before the Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola today.

Both the accused in this matter have agreed to have their trial in this case take place in the Magistrate’s court.

FICAC also agreed to maintain the charges in court today.

Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss, while Sagar is charged with one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.

FICAC has informed the court that they will call 25 witnesses.

The pre-trial conference will take place on the on the 11th April to confirm the PTC issues.

The Chief Magistrate had wished for the matter to be resolved within 12 months since filing the charge, however due to the unavailability of the counsels, the trial date has been fixed from the 2nd to the 12th of September next year.

Sayed-Khaiyum is alleged to have initiated five legal proceedings without the knowledge and approval of the FBC board of directors which were prejudicial to the rights of FBC for gain amounting to $138, 813 between 1st July 2017 and 31st January 2023.

As for the alternative count of general dishonesty causing a loss, it is alleged that he pursued legal cases which were not in the interest of FBCL amounting to $138,813.37 knowing that it would cause loss.

Sagar is alleged to have approved the payment to be made to R Patel Lawyers amounting to $15,075 knowing that it would cause a loss.

In the second matter, Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss while Sagar is charged with one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.

Sayed-Khaiyum is alleged to have committed an arbitrary act for the purpose of gain between 1st September and 11th November 2022.

It is alleged that he circumvented the tender process in FBCL’s finance manual in procuring a vehicle for $207,470 which were acts prejudicial to the rights of FBCL.

As for the alternative count of general dishonesty causing a loss, it is alleged that he purchased a vehicle which was not in the interest of FBCL amounting to $84,470 knowing that it would cause a loss.

Sagar is alleged to have approved the payment for the purchase of the vehicle, knowing that it would cause a loss to FBCL, between 1st October and 1st December 2022.