Suva based lawyer, Aseri Vakaloloma and his client and businessman Benjamin Padarath will be sentenced on the 22nd of next month.
Both men appeared in court today to present their mitigating factors.
A letter from Aseri Vakaloloma’s wife and a character witness who is his former employer Sakiusa Rabuka were submitted for mitigation as proof of his honesty and integrity.
It was said in court that Vakaloloma played an integral role in the formation of the family court, however the letters that were submitted were not read out in court.
The court was also told about the financial struggles Vakaloloma’s family had encountered as a result of this case.
Susana Tuisawau who is a family friend of Benjamin Padarath was produced as a character witness and said that he is a changed man since he came out from prison and has worked very hard to get a job and provide for his family.
Padarath also gave evidence of his employment and has also provided character references from two of the mothers of his children.
FICAC Lawyer Rashmi Aslam has urged the court to take into account that all of Padarath’s previous convictions had related to fraud.
The matter is being called before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili.
Aseri Vakaloloma and Benjamin Padarath have been found guilty for one count of forgery by the Suva Magistrates Court.
They were charged by FICAC with one count each of forgery in 2011.
The two forged the Articles of Association for BECP Engineering Construction Fiji Limited creating a false document namely page 27 of the article of association of the aid company by inserting the name, address and the signature of Voreqe Bainimarama as the Director of the company.
The forged document was found in the bedroom of Benjamin Padarath.
The offences occurred between October and December of 2009.
Bail has been extended for both of the accused.
