No chances for FICAC recovering $4M that Katia stole

FICAC has confirmed that there are no chances of recovering over $4 million that former Acting Deputy Official Receiver Viliame Katia stole while holding his office.

Fijivillage has raised the question on whether FICAC will initiate Proceeds of Crimes proceedings in court to try to recover the large sum of money however FICAC says their investigations have revealed that Katia spent all the money. 

During his re‑sentencing Justice Salesi Temo also inquired about restitution but his legal counsel made it known to the court that it was not possible.

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Justice Temo had said that it would be reasonable to assume that in Fiji, to dispose of $4 million plus in 7 and half years, it would leave some signs - for example house renovations, cars, home appliances and jewellery.

However in Katia’s case, no explanation was made on how over $4 million was used.

Viliame Katia was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for corruption related offences in December last year.

Katia engineered 1,415 fraudulent transactions within the Official Receiver’s Office to steal over $4 million.