Former Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu will take his plea while former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi will have his pre-trial conference to begin on the 28th of this month.

They appeared before Magistrate Talei Kean today.

Ravu is charged with one count of abuse of office by FICAC while Toaisi is charged with one count of aiding and abetting abuse of office.

It is alleged that between 25th July and 31st August 2023, Ravu as the Minister for Fisheries interfered in the lawful process of a Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer.

It is alleged that Toaisi, while employed with the Ministry, aided and abetted the former Minister in committing the offence of abuse of office.

The second phase of disclosure is yet to be served.