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Bail extended for LTA scam couple

Posted by Media Team 21 November 2024

The Lautoka Magistrates Court has extended the bail for the couple who were allegedly involved in a taxi permit scam.

Salanieta Daveta Tuidraki a former employee of the Land Transport Authority is facing one (1) count of Abuse of Office and one (1) count of Obtaining a Financial Advantage while Ratu Meli Nasamila also a former employee of the Land Transport Authority is charged with one (1) count of Obtaining a Financial Advantage.

The couple appeared before Magistrate Seini Puamau at the Lautoka Magistrates Court this morning.

Magistrate Puamau enquired whether or not the accused have been served with their second phase Disclosures.

FICAC State Counsel Ms Lavenia Ravuikadavu informed the Court that she had the disclosures with her and served them to the opposing counsel.

It is alleged that between 1 September 2023 and 31 January 2024, Ms Tuidraki whilst employed as the Acting Team Leader of the Public Transport Unit at the LTA issued canceled taxi permits on behalf of the Authority and received a sum of $148,000 from persons to whom the permits were issued to.

Ms Tuidraki is alleged to have facilitated the process of issuing the canceled taxi permits on behalf of LTA to persons whom the canceled taxi permits were issued to, obtaining a financial advantage of $78,000.

Mr Nasamila is alleged to have facilitated the process of issuing canceled taxi permits on behalf of LTA to persons whom the permits were issued to and obtained a financial advantage of $70,000.

The matter is adjourned to 9 December 2024 for plea.