The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has commenced formal extradition proceedings to return the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Christopher Pryde, from New Zealand to face corruption-related charges
Mr. Pryde has been absent from office since his reinstatement in January 2025
Mr. Pryde faces one count of Abuse of Office, alleging that while serving as the Director of Public Prosecutions, he approved and received four gratuity payments amounting to $138,445.05 without obtaining the necessary approvals from the Office of the President and the Judicial Services Commission
In the alternative, he is charged with Causing a Loss, on the basis that he dishonestly caused financial loss to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions by accepting these unauthorised payments
He also faces a second count of Abuse of Office, alleging that he approved and received eight reimbursements totalling $47,053.03 for airfares for his wife and child, despite knowing they did not reside with him in Fiji, which is contrary to the conditions of his employment contract and in breach of procurement policy
In the alternative, he is charged with obtaining a financial advantage, for knowingly receiving payments to which he was not entitled
The third count is Causing a Loss, alleging that on or about 16 September 2022, Mr. Pryde was reimbursed $7,828.56 for unused air tickets
Although the airline refunded him directly, he failed to return the amount to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
As part of the extradition application, FICAC Acting Commissioner Ms. Lavi Rokoika submitted affidavits to the Court, presided over by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad
Upon the Magistrate’s endorsement, the documents were returned to FICAC for processing through the Office of the Attorney-General
Before proceedings commenced, Magistrate Prasad disclosed a conflict of interest, citing his previous professional relationship with Mr. Pryde, with whom he had worked for over a decade
Magistrate Prasad adjourned the session to consult the Chief Magistrate and later returned to confirm that he had been cleared to preside over the matter
The Court also sought confirmation from FICAC regarding any objections to the presiding magistrate hearing the matter
Ms Rokoika confirmed there was none
The Court was further informed that Mr. Pryde would be allowed to be heard on the Magistrate’s conflict of interest
The case has been adjourned to 15 September 2025 for an update on the status of the extradition process