Pryde Extradition: Service Disclosure Update – March 27th

The extradition case of Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, was adjourned to March 27th to verify the progress of serving disclosures. Pryde faces multiple charges related to alleged abuse of office and financial mismanagement during his time as DPP.

Christopher Pryde Extradition Case Update

The case was called before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad on Tuesday.

FICAC Counsel, Lillian Mausio, informed the court that an investigating officer was sent to New Zealand to serve Pryde with the necessary documents, but he was not at home. Mausio stated they will now utilize a process officer in New Zealand to complete service.

Magistrate Prasad noted that despite having no objection to presiding over the case, he needs to hear Pryde’s side, given their prior working relationship at the DPP’s Office.

Pryde is accused of one count of abuse of office, alleging he approved and received four gratuity payments totaling $138,445.05 without proper authorization from the Office of the President and the Judicial Services Commission. Alternatively, he is charged with causing a loss to the Office of the DPP by accepting these payments.

He also faces a second count of abuse of office, related to the approval and receipt of eight reimbursements amounting to $47,053.03 for airfares for his wife and child, despite them not residing with him in Fiji, violating his employment contract and procurement policy. The alternative charge is obtaining a financial advantage by knowingly receiving unauthorized payments.

A third charge alleges Pryde caused a loss when he was reimbursed $7,828.56 for unused air tickets on or around September 16, 2022, and failed to return the funds to the Office of the DPP after receiving a direct refund from the airline.