A former citizen of Fiji who allegedly defrauded the American Government of 9 million US dollars between 1995 and last year was today granted bail by the Suva Magistrates Court.

DPP Lawyer Ana Tuikatei objected to the bail application saying that Anil Maharaj is a flight risk and he was also turned back from the Canadian border when he was allegedly caught with a large sum of cash following which he escaped to Fiji.

When the case was called last Friday, Maharaj had claimed that his passport was missing however a copy of his passport was produced in court this morning.

Maharaj was granted a $2000 bail with assurity and has been ordered to report at the Samabula Police Station daily and to reside with the assurity in Tamavua, to be accompanied by his assurity if he has to go somewhere and not to commit any offence.

The case has been adjourned till 18th May to allow DPP to start the extradition process.