2 Indian-origin ex-officials jailed in Fiji

Melbourne, November 24

Two former senior Indian-origin Fiji officials of the country's postal services were today given jail terms for their involvement in abuse of office and giving false information.

Mahendra Patel (74), former chairman of the Board of Directors of Post Fiji Limited (PFL), was given a year’s jail sentence while Dhirendra Pratap (57) was sentenced to three months in prison over corruption charges by a court in Fiji's capital city Suva, Fiji Live reported.

Peni Mau, a former company executive, was sentenced to six months in jail in the case.

Patel was charged with one count of abuse of office and former general manager finance, Pratap was charged for one count of giving false information to public officers.

In 2006, Patel had extended Mau's contract for three years as Managing Director of PFL, without the approval of the Board of Directors of PFL.

Patel's lawyer said that Patel was one of the most successful businessmen in Fiji and as Chairman of PFL Board of Directors, he helped PFL listed as one of the 10 most profitable postal businesses in the world.

He said his client had already served a 12 months imprisonment sentence for a previous conviction and has suffered enough.

Patel previously served as Chairman on the boards of Fiji Electricity Authority and the Fiji Visitors Bureau, Deputy Chairman of the then Air Pacific Board of Directors, Director of the Reserve Bank of Fiji to name a few and has served the country well.

Patel, who is regarded as one of the most successful businessmen of the country, currently the chairman of PFL board of directors, now heads Motibhai and Company Limited, one of Fiji's most well-established business houses. — PTI

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The charge

Mahendra Patel and Dhirendra Pratap, who held top positions in Post Fiji Limited, have been handed down jail terms over corruption charges

Patel has been charged with one count of abuse of office and Pratap with one count of giving false information to public officers