16 Sep 2008

More charges likely before year's end in Fiji agriculture scam

3:40 pm on 16 September 2008

Further charges relating to Fiji's long running agricultural scam investigation could be laid before the end of the year.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has confirmed he expects to charge more people in connection with the case.

His comments came after a former businessman and a former civil servant were found guilty on official corruption charges.

Our correspondent in Suva, Matelita Ragogo, says the investigation, that has been going on for years, is beginning to come to an end:

"It's not so much the investigation, it's more getting the evidence together so that they can lay charges."

Pita Alifereti, who was accused of giving money and favours to civil servants in return for orders, and Peli Kete Doviyaroi, who was a purchasing officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, are both to be sentenced tomorrow. (wed)