Fiji Labour Party Leader and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has made applications seeking the High Court’s permission to travel to the United States.

Defence Counsel Rajendra Chaudhry made the application for further bail variation before High court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar this morning.

Mahendra Chaudhry intends to travel to the US to attend his sister’s 70th birthday.

DPP Lawyer, Pita Bulamainaivalu told the court that they are concerned with the frequency of the overseas trips being taken by Chaudhry.

He said this is the third application.

Bulamainaivalu also asked the Judge to consider increasing the bail surety from $1000 to $10,000.

Chaudhry has previously been given permission by the High court to travel to Australia for medical treatment and returned last month.

Justice Goundar will deliver his ruling on the application on Monday.

Chaudhry is charged with 12 counts of money laundering, tax evasion and giving false information to Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.



Story by: Roneel Lal and Shalvin Deo