Motibhai CEO on trial over corruption claims

Motibhai Group of Companies chairman and CEO Mahendra Patel has appeared in court over charges pertaining to his previous role as chairman of Fijian postal service Post Fiji, local press reports verified by DFNIonline confirm. Patel, one of three former Post Fiji executives charged with alleged corrupt practices, is claimed to have extended the contract of Post Fiji’s former managing director Peni Mau by three years without authorisation, as well as approving a $24,000 to Mau when he retired last year.

 

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption made the charges against Patel and the other executives at a magistrate’s court in Fiji on February 6. Magistrate Aminiasi Katonivuualiku said the charges warranted a maximum of two to three years in prison, and set bail at $2,000 with the condition that the accused must report to local police stations every other Saturday until their case is heard.

 

The case has been adjourned until April 10.

 

Patel is chairman and CEO of Motibhai Group of Companies, which includes one of the two dominant travel retailers in Fiji, Motibhai Duty Free. Patel is also a prominent member of Fijian society, and in particular of the large Indian community there.