Two men have been charged in connection with a forestry licensing scam involving $9,000, and the Labasa Magistrates Court has granted them bail. Moape Lotawa faces multiple charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), including Abuse of Office, Falsification of Documents, and Conspiracy to Defraud for personal gain. His co-accused, Lisala Rabuka, is charged with Obtaining a Financial Advantage and Conspiracy to Defraud.
The allegations suggest that while serving as Director Forests Officer North at the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Lotawa processed and renewed three harvesting licenses without adhering to the necessary procedures. It is claimed that he falsified these renewals to profit from three landowning units, with Rabuka accused of colluding with him to extract $9,000 from representatives of these units.
FICAC Counsel Immanuel Turaga indicated that the First Phase Disclosures were made available to both defendants during the proceedings. The prosecution did not oppose bail but stressed the importance of enforcing strict conditions.
Resident Magistrate Amelia Vavadakua granted bail under specific conditions, which include that the defendants must surrender their passports, refrain from any interference with prosecution witnesses, avoid further offenses, and report to the nearest police station on a monthly basis. The case is set for adjournment on January 20, 2026, for the Second Phase Disclosures and plea proceedings.
This case highlights FICAC’s ongoing efforts to confront corruption and promote accountability within government operations. With diligent legal action, there is optimism that public trust can be reinforced and ethical behavior in public service positions can be ensured in Fiji.