News

Man Convicted for Misuses of Help for Home Initiative

Posted by Media Team 13 October 2026

The Suva Magistrates Court has convicted a man for misusing the Government’s Help for Home Initiative, established to assist households affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.

The charges against Mr Atunaisa Ravatu were brought by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

The judgment was delivered today by Resident Magistrate Shelyn Kiran.

Mr Ravatu was found guilty of one count of General Dishonesty - Causing a Loss, involving $22,231.22, and two counts of General Dishonesty - Obtaining a Gain, involving $1,600 and $2,000 received through cash-back promotions offered by Vinod Patel Company Limited under the initiative.

The court heard that Mr Ravatu had taken M-Paisa cards belonging to villagers of Vuna, Taveuni, which were intended to assist them in purchasing building materials to rebuild their homes following Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Evidence presented during the trial established that Mr Ravatu received cash-back payments associated with the cards and had control over the funds.

The court also considered admissions made by Mr Ravatu during his caution interview, in which he acknowledged using other people’s money without their consent.

Having considered the prosecution’s evidence, the court found Mr Ravatu guilty on all three counts and convicted him accordingly.