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Two Men Granted Bail for $9000 Forestry Licensing Scam

Posted by Media Team 16 October August 2023

Two men facing corruption-related offences totalling to $9,000 have been granted bail by the Labasa Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Two men facing corruption-related offences totalling to $9,000 have been granted bail by the Labasa Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Moape Lotawa has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of Abuse of Office, one count of Falsification of Documents, and one count of Conspiracy to Defraud – Obtaining a Gain.

The second accused, Lisala Rabuka, is charged with one count of Obtaining a Financial Advantage and one count of Conspiracy to Defraud – Obtaining a Gain.

It is alleged that while employed as Director Forests Officer North at the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry in Labasa, Mr. Lotawa processed and issued the renewal of three harvesting licences without following the required procedures.

Mr. Lotawa is also accused of falsifying the renewal of these licences in an attempt to gain financially from three landowning units.

Mr. Rabuka is alleged to have conspired with Mr. Lotawa into obtaining $9,000 from the representatives of the landowning units.

The charges were read out in court today and understood by both accused.

FICAC Counsel, Immanuel Turaga, informed the court that the First Phase Disclosures had been served to both accused.

The prosecution did not object to bail but requested that strict bail conditions be imposed.

Resident Magistrate Amelia Vavadakua granted bail on the condition that the two accused surrender their passports, refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses, not reoffend while on bail, and report to the nearest police station once a month.

The matter has been adjourned to 20 January 2026 for the Second Phase Disclosures and plea.