The former assistant treasurer of the Kadavu Provincial Council appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court last week, charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Suliasi Lau has been charged with seven counts of obtaining a financial advantage and four counts of falsification of documents.
It is alleged that between June 1st and July 31, 2019, Lau while being employed as the assistant treasurer, received cash payments that were collected and/or received as provincial levies from four villages in Kadavu.
Lau allegedly failed to deposit the money into the Kadavu Provincial Council account, and as a result of the conduct obtained a financial advantage of $4,580 for himself knowing he was not eligible for it.
Furthermore, it is also alleged that in May 2019, Lau misappropriated the allowance of three Turaga Ni Koros, and as a result of the conduct obtained a financial advantage of $1,200.
The state counsel informed the court that the first phase of disclosures have been served.
The Chief Magistrate has granted a non-cash bail of $1,000 and ordered the accused not to re-offend while on bail and not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.
A stop departure order has also been issued.
The matter has been adjourned to 20 May.
