Yet Another Case of Former Corruption and Abuse of Office

Dakuidreketi found guilty

18:50 Today

Taken from/By: FBC News
Report by: Ellen Stolz

Suva High Court Judge Justice Janaka Bandara has overturned the decision of the assessors in the trial of businessman Keni Dakuidreketi in Suva.

In his judgment, Justice Bandara found Dakuidreketi guilty on all five counts of abuse of office for purpose of gain.

Dakuidreketi had used government grants to finance an IT company, called Pacific Connex, owned by Ballu Khan, through Vanua Development Corporation Limited (VDCL), a limited liability company of the then-Native Land Trust Board.

At the time Dakuidreketi was the chairman of Vanua Development Corporation, the business arm of NLTB.

Justice Bandara told the court that Dakuidreketi was aware that the company, PCX, was not doing well financially but yet turned a blind eye.

In mitigation Dakuidreketi’s lawyers requested for a few days to make available three witnesses for the case.

Dakuidreketi will now appear in court on Tuesday to confirm the availability of the witnesses whereby a date for the sentencing will be scheduled.

- See more at: http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/21948/dakuidreketi-found-guilty#sthash.UWxwK8X6.dpuf