Press Release

Bail granted for MP Biman Prasad

Posted by Media Team 17 November 2025

Member of Parliament, Hon. Biman Prasad appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court today to answer for corruption-related charges.

Mr. Prasad is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of Failure to Comply with Statutory Disclosure Requirements as it is alleged that on or about 30 December 2015, being 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 his annual declaration of assets, liabilities and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties of his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts PTE Limited.

The accused is also charged with an alternative count of Providing False Information in a Statutory Declaration, whereby on or about 30 December 2015, being an office holder of the same party, he provided false information in a statutory declaration submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties in that he failed to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts PTE Limited, which the omission rendered the declaration false in material particular, thereby committing an offence.

The matter was heard before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad.

Appearing for the prosecution, FICAC Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika informed the Court that the Full Disclosures had been served, which defence counsel, Richard Naidu then concurred.

Mr. Naidu then informed the Court that the defence will be filing an application in the High Court for Permanent Stay to address various issues in the prosecution’s case including the validity of the charges given the FICAC Acting Commissioner’s appointment, the basis of the charge and the prejudicial delay of case facts.

The defence sought a 14-day adjournment for plea, in consideration of the Permanent Stay application in the High Court.

.M. Prasad then directed that the Court will maintain its own progress in the case, as the Permanent Stay application, although it is a nexus in the matter, falls outside the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court.

For bail, Ms Rokoika informed the Court that FICAC does not classify the accused as a flight risk and will therefore not seek a Stop Departure Order or the surrender of his travel documents, but would require the accused's counsel to notify the Court and copy the Commission within 7 days of travel.

The Court then granted Mr Prasad a non-cash bail of $10,000, subject to two sureties who were presented in Court.

He must provide the Court with 7 days' notice if he wishes to travel overseas, accompanied by a travel itinerary detailing the date and time of his departure and arrival.

The matter has been adjourned to 8 December 2025 for plea.