11 Feb 2019

Chinese resort developer in Fiji likely to face more charges

8:33 pm on 11 February 2019

Fiji's chief prosecutor says it's likely a Chinese resort developer charged with breaching environmental laws will face further charges.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, said he has sanctioned charges against Freesoul Real Estate Development, which is building a resort on Malolo Island just off Fiji's main island Viti Levu.

Malolo Island

Photo: Google Maps

The government was forced to disclose it had filed for prosecution in September after a report by the New Zealand website Newsroom on Wednesday.

Mr Pryde said the charges relate to its failure to comply with a government prohibition notice and to obtain environmental consent to build.

He said the company's offending appears to be ongoing.

Under Fiji law, Freesoul and its directors could face fines of up to $US352,000 or up to or 10 years imprisonment.

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