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FICAC Confirms Amendment of Charges and Transfer of Charlie Charters Matter to Fiji Police Force

Posted by Media Team 30 June 2026

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption confirms that the criminal matter involving Mr Charlie Charters was called today before Resident Magistrate Mr Somaratne for a Pre-Trial Conference.

FICAC informed the Court of the recent stay application before the High Court and developments in those proceedings, including FICAC’s undertaking to file amended charges identifying the former Commission officers alleged to be relevant to the charges.

FICAC accordingly applied to amend the charges so that they reflect those identities, comply with section 58 of the Crimes Act 2009, and fairly disclose the case Mr Charters is required to meet. FICAC also confirmed that additional disclosure, including material relating to the extraction of data from Mr Charters’ telephone, had been served as part of its continuing duty of disclosure.

FICAC further applied for the matter to be transferred to the Fiji Police Force under section 13F of the FICAC Act, to ensure independence and avoid any perception of conflict of interest arising from the alleged involvement of former Commission officers.

The defence did not object to the amendment application, while noting that the amendment or transfer could have been addressed earlier. The Court granted the applications.

Any decision on whether the former FICAC officers will be charged now rests with the Fiji Police Force.

The matter has been adjourned to 29 July 2026 for mention, to check the outcome of the High Court stay application and for Police Prosecution to appear. Bail was extended.

Appearing for Mr. Charters was Mr. Fatiaki, and representing FICAC was Acting Manager Legal, Mr. Joseph Work.