Former Permanent Secretary for Public Utilities and Infrastructure, Anasa Vocea appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court today charged with eight counts of extortion by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption.

Vocea appeared before Magistrate Amani Rokotinaviti and pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail at a sum of $1000. The case is adjourned to the 18th of next month.

It is is alleged that Vocea to have accepted eight rewards from New Zealand based Pacific Forum Line Limited totaling $145 159 over a period of six years dating back to 2000, under his capacity as Government representative to the company.