26 Jan 2024

Fiji's anti-corruption office receives complaint against deputy PM Gavoka for abuse of office

10:30 am on 26 January 2024
SODELPA's Viliame "Bill" Gavoka

Photo: RNZ Pacific

Fiji's anti-corruption office has received a complaint against deputy prime minister Viliame Gavoka for abuse of office and fraud.

Local media report the complaint is in relation to a Fiji Airways charted flight to Israel late September last year.

The national airline flew to Tel Aviv for the first time - taking over 200 Christian pilgrims to attend Jerusalem's Feast of Tabernacles celebration.

Gavoka is alleged to have authorised the charter flight despite knowing there was not enough money to cover the FJ$3 million (US$1.3m) Fiji Airways fee.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption's (FICAC) legal team is looking into the complaint.

FICAC has confirmed its legal team will assess the complaint before making recommendations to the acting deputy commissioner within 3 to 5 working days.

It said this will then determine if an investigation will be conducted.

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