Press Release

Prosecution Ready for Trial in Prasad Matter

Posted by Media Team 17 July 2026

The prosecution in the matter involving former Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, Professor Biman Prasad, has informed the Suva Magistrates Court that it is ready to proceed to trial.

Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Manager Legal, Mr Joseph Work, appeared before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad and advised the court that the prosecution has finaliszed the agreed facts and documentary evidence and accordingly filed the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) minutes in court.

Mr Work stated that the prosecution will rely on both documentary and oral evidence during the trial, which is scheduled from 10 to 14 August 2026.

Defence Counsel, Mr Richard Naidu, confirmed receipt of the finalised agreed facts and document and advised the court that the defence is also ready to proceed to trial.

FICAC has charged Prof Prasad with one count of Failure to Comply with Statutory Disclosure Requirements. It is alleged that on or about 30 December 2015, while serving as an office holder of a registered political party, the National Federation Party, he failed to comply with Section 24(1)(b)(iv) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013 by omitting to declare, in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties, his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts PTE Limited.

Prof Prasad is also charged with an alternative count of Providing False Information in a Statutory Declaration. It is alleged that on or about 30 December 2015, while serving as an office holder of the same political party, he provided false information in a statutory declaration submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties by failing to declare his directorship of Platinum Hotels & Resorts PTE Limited, thereby rendering the declaration false in a material particular and allegedly committing an offence.

The matter has been adjourned to 3 August 2026 for mention.

Bail has been extended.