FICAC Spent Over $19,000 in Investigation and Prosecution of Former DPP Christopher Pryde

SUVA, Fiji – The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) incurred costs totaling approximately $19,022 during its investigation and subsequent prosecution of former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Christopher Pryde.

The figures were disclosed in Parliament by the Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, in response to a written question posed by the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu.

According to the Minister, the expenditure is broken down into two primary components: approximately $11,000 was attributed to FICAC’s internal investigation and legal costs, which includes the value of staff time dedicated to the case. The remaining $8,022 was spent in New Zealand, covering the service of court documents and various associated legal processes required to advance the case.

The charges brought against the former DPP involved allegations totaling $193,326.64. These allegations included claims of illicit gratuity payments, reimbursements received in violation of established procurement protocols, and disputed airline travel reimbursements.

Minister Turaga emphasized that the FICAC expenditure must be viewed in the context of both the complexity and the significant financial value of the matters under investigation.

"The expenditure covered both the investigation and prosecution of the matter by FICAC, including the associated legal processes in Fiji and New Zealand," Turaga stated, defending the necessity of the costs incurred throughout the judicial proceedings.