Corruption suspect free to travel

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A FORMER Ministry of Public Enterprise officer charged with official corruption has been allowed to travel to the United States after a decision by a Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Christopher Singh, who worked as a principal economist in the ministry has pleaded not guilty to four counts of official corruption.

Magistrate Aminiasi Katonivualiku granted bail and cancelled a departure prohibition against him after Singh’s father presented $15,000 to the court as surety for his son.

Singh had applied for bail and the lifting of his travel restriction in order to visit his family in the US.

Singh is alleged to have fraudulently obtained over $11,000 in cash, return air tickets to Sydney amounting to $2000 and a hotel accommodation between September 2003 and
November 2005 amounting to $900.

State prosecutor Nancy Tikoisuva argued that Singh had no reason to return to Fiji because his family was already in the US.

Singh had been prevented from leaving the country because of the no travel order on him.

Katonivualiku reminded Singh that if he failed to return to Fiji on time, his father would then be responsible.

The case had been adjourned until August 29 for mention after Singh returns to the country.