News

Businessman Charged for $440K Taxi Permit Scam

Posted by Media Team 14 May 2026

A Nadi businessman has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for allegedly selling cancelled and expired taxi permits and dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage amounting to $440,078.

Abhinesh Singh appeared in the Nadi Magistrates Court today charged with one count of Obtaining a Financial Advantage and one count of General Dishonesty – Obtaining a Gain.

It is alleged that between 1 January 2023 and 31 January 2024, Mr Singh sold cancelled and expired taxi permits in Nadi as valid and transferable permits.

The 53-year-old accused appeared before Resident Magistrate Mareta Tikoisuva, where the charges were read to him.

Mr Singh indicated that he understood the charges.

FICAC State Counsel Rajiv Pathak informed the court that First Phase Disclosures had been served on the accused.

Mr Pathak sought 21 days from the court to complete full disclosures to the defence.

The prosecution raised no objection to bail but requested that strict bail conditions be imposed.

Resident Magistrate Tikoisuva granted bail to Mr Singh on the condition that he does not change his residential address without leave of the court, does not reoffend and does not interfere with prosecution witnesses.

He was also ordered to pay a cash bail bond of $500 and provide two sureties bonded at $500 each non-cash.

A Stop Departure Order has also been issued against Mr Singh, and he has been directed to appear at all scheduled court proceedings.

The matter has been adjourned to 21 June 2026 for mention regarding the Second Phase Disclosures.