Accused in corruption investigation remanded in police custody until February 20 |08 February 2018

Accused of corruption, an employee of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles appeared before the Magistrates’ Court yesterday and has been remanded in police custody until February 20. 

The accused, a complaint officer of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles (ACCS), demanded property by written threats to the complainant, a former minister being investigated for corruption by the ACCS.

After arguments on the case had been heard, the prosecution declared that the offence was a very serious one and based on evidence presented there is substantial reason to believe that if the suspect is released on bail he will interfere with other witnesses or obstruct the course of justice and any future investigation, bearing in mind the fact that the complainant is under investigation.

Magistrate Mariam Ng’hwani stated in her ruling that due to the seriousness of the alleged offence, it is not entirely possible to monitor the suspect’s movement and communications if he was to be released on bail.

The two charges against the suspect are:

1. Demanding property by written threats contrary to section 284 of the Penal Code; and

2. Official corruption contrary to section 91 of the Penal Code.

Meanwhile, the office of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles has said it is carrying its own investigation in the case while it gives its full cooperation to ongoing police investigations.

The accused is being represented by Alexia Amesbury.