Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu has been released on bail by the Sigatoka Magistrates Court after being charged with one count of abuse of office.
Ravu is accused of interfering in a Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer between July 25th and August 31st, 2023.
He appeared alongside Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is charged with one count of aiding and abetting abuse of office. Ravu was granted a cash bail of $1,000, while Toaisi was granted a non-cash bail of $1,000.
Both accused have been ordered not to re-offend while on bail and not to interfere with prosecution witnesses. A stop-departure order has been issued against them.
Ravu and Toaisi are ordered to report to Nabua and Lami Police Stations on the last Saturday of every month.
