News

Former Court Officer Sentenced to 3 Years' Imprisonment

Posted by Media Team 03 September 2026

A former court officer has been sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment by the Sigatoka Magistrates Court for Obtaining Financial Advantage and Falsification of Documents.

Resident Magistrate Viniane Diroiroi sentenced Rauni Moceiovalau Bulivakacegu after he pleaded guilty to both charges brought by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Between January and August 2018, whilst employed as a Revenue Collector at the Sigatoka Magistrates Court Registry, Mr Bulivakacegu dishonestly recorded lower amounts on duplicate and triplicate copies of eight receipts than the amounts recorded on the original receipts, obtaining a financial advantage of $3,100.

The Court said Mr Bulivakacegu occupied a position of trust and was expected to be truthful, honest and ethical in carrying out his duties. The Court found that his actions were calculated and well planned and involved offending on 8 separate occasions.

The Court adopted an aggregate starting point of 3 years' imprisonment, increased the sentence by 2 years for aggravating circumstances and reduced it by 1 year for mitigation and previous good character. A further 1-year reduction was allowed for his guilty plea, resulting in a final aggregate sentence of 3 years' imprisonment.

The Court fixed a non-parole period of 2 years. 6 months spent on remand was treated as time already served, leaving 1 year and 6 months to be served.

Mr Bulivakacegu has 28 days to appeal to the High Court.