Fourth person charged with FNPF Cyclone Winston Scheme investigation to appear in court today

The fourth person charged in regards to the FNPF Cyclone Winston Scheme investigation will appear in the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon.

42-year-old Lepania Lavavou who is unemployed is charged with one count of obtaining property by deception.

It is alleged that Lavavou conspired with a former employee of FNPF, Rachael Matakibau who has been charged with four counts of obtaining property by deception.

It is alleged that they have cashed cheques intended for recipients of the FNPF Cyclone Winston Assistance initiative amounting to $15,600.

Matakibau will also appear in court this afternoon.

Meanwhile 22-year-old Gabriel Ledua charged in relation to the FNPF Cyclone Winston Scheme investigations has been granted bail by the Suva Magistrates Court.

Ledua who is charged with one count of conspiracy to obtain property by deception and two counts of forgery has been released on $1,000 bail bond by Magistrate Makereta Mua.

32-year-old Amos Rogoyawa who is also charged with one count of conspiracy to obtain property by deception and two counts of forgery will appear again at 2.30pm today.

Rogoyawa did not produce a surety in court this morning.

It is alleged that Rogoyawa and Ledua deceptively obtained the sum of $5000 which belongs to a 32‑year‑old man residing in Brisbane through FNPF’s Cyclone Winston Assistance Scheme.

Ledua allegedly forged the victim's signature in the FRCA/FNPF joint card application.