Three men have been each sentenced to two years imprisonment for falsifying information in order to obtain assistance under the government’s Help for Homes initiative.
They are 46-year-old Necani Caginidoi, 26-year-old Glen Josaia Martin and 31-year-old Saula Tavitavi.
They each pleaded guilty to the charge of one count of False Representation in Order to Obtain a Benefit.
According to the summary of facts, through an audit report dated 7th March 2017, the Permanent Secretary for Economy reported against recipients of the “Help for Homes” assistance of Nabaitavo Village in Naitasiri for falsifying their information in order to obtain assistance during the second phase distribution program.
A Special Investigation by the Ministry of Economy verification team revealed that based on their assessment on the criteria of assistance awarded to Fijians affected by cyclone Winston, the identified recipients who claimed for the $7,000 were never entitled for any assistance as they did not own any house prior to TC Winston.
They each requested for $7,000 to purchase hardware items to repair the damage to their homes, when in actual fact, they knew very well that they did not have or own a house.
They all being given a non-parole period of 1 year.
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