The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption is contemplating charges against a former employee on allegations that he was trying to conceal evidence relating to a case against another former employee.

The case against Marica Rokotavaga, a former Accounts Clerk of FICAC was called today where FICAC sought further time revealing that they are currently securing further evidence as investigations continue.

Prosecutor Vinsent Perera informed Magistrate Irani Arachchi that when FICAC had initially charged Rokotavaga, there was only one cheque involved in the particulars of the offence however it was later discovered that a total of 13 cheques were allegedly misappropriated by the accused.

He revealed that a search was executed at the residence of the Former FICAC Finance Manager on 20th April 2010 where investigators found the official diary of Rokotavaga.  

He said FICAC considers this diary to be a vital piece of evidence in the case and is currently questioning the former finance Manager to ascertain his involvement in the missing cheques and how he came to be in possession of the accused's diary.   
 
Parera also stated that FICAC has not excluded the possibility of charging others who are also involved in the alleged suppression of evidence against the accused.

Rokotavaga who was unrepresented was charged on 5th May 2010 with a total of 37 counts of Forgery, Uttering Forged Document and Obtaining Money by False Pretence.

It is alleged that Rokotavaga on several occasions between October 2009 and February 2010 while being employed as an Accounts Clerk with FICAC, had with the intent to defraud forged and cashed cheques for the FICAC Welfare Fund account and the FICAC Operating Account) amounting to over $15,000 for her own use.

She was also earlier charged on 13th March 2010 with one count of Theft, one count of Falsification of documents and one count of Abuse of Office.

Magistrate Arachchi granted FICAC one-week and adjourned the matter for mention on 4th June 2010.