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Crim. Case No: HAM 117 of 2010}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 BETWEEN:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid12588586 THE STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 pplicant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 AND:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid420795 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 MAHENDRA PAL CHAUDHRY \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 AND:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 FIJI ISLANDS REVENUE & CUSTOMS }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795\charrsid12588586 AUTHORITY}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Date of Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 22}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 June 2010 \par Orders granted:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 25}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 th}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 June 2010 \par Reasons published:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 th}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 July 2010}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Mr. W. Pillay for State \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 DECISION}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 [1] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 The State applies for production and inspection orders in relation to certain}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 documents pertaining to the first respondent's tax matters and which are in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 possession of the second respondent}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 The application is made pursuant to section 50 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 [2]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Section 50 provides:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (1) Where a police officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has possession or control of a property-tracking document the police office}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 r may apply to a J}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 udge in chambers in accordance with subsection (2) for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 an order under subsection (5) }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 against the person suspected of having possession or control of the document.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (2) An application under subsection (1) shall be made ex parte and shall be in writing and be accompanied by an affidavit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (3) Wher e a police officer applies for an order under subsection (5) ... and includes in the affidavit a statement to the effect that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (a) the person who, was convicted of the offence, or is believed to have comm itted the offence, derived a benefit, directly or indirectly, from the commission of the offence, and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid420795 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (b) property specified in the affidavit is subject to the effective control of the person referred to in paragraph (a),}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 the judge may treat any document relevant to identifying, locating or quantifying that property as a property-tracking document in relation to the offence for the purposes of this section.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (4) In determining whether to treat a document, under subsection (3), a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 s a property-tracking document in relation to an offence, the J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 udge may have regard to the matters referred to in subsection 25(2).} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (5) Subject to subsection (6), but notwithstanding any enactment which prohibits disclosure of information of a particular type, where an applica}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 tion is made under subsection (1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 ) the Judge may,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for doing so, order the person to:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (a) produce to a poli}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 ce officer, at a specified time }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 and place, any documents of the kind referred to in subsection (1) that are in the person's possession or control; or}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (b) make available to a police officer for inspection, at a specified time or times, any documents of that kind that are in the person's possession or control. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 [3] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 As can be seen, section 50(2) creates an exception to the principle of open justice by allowing for an ex-parte application to be made before a judge in chambers in a course of a criminal investigation. The application of this nature does not offend the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 principle of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 open justice because there is }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 a public interest in protecting the evidence during an investigative stage.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 [4]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 There may be an argu}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 ent that the procedure under section 50(2) may be abused by the State and the affected par}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 y may not have a legal recourse to alleviate the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 abuse. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 However, in my judgment, the law provides sufficient safeguards against an}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 abuse of the procedure.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Firstly, the ex-parte application must be}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 in writing and be accompanied }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 by an affidavit from a police officer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 [5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Secondly, the affidav}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid420795 it must have}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 a statement upon }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 which the police officer has found his reasonable belief of the matters contained in section 50(3)(a) and (b).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 [6]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 In the present case, the State has complied with all the procedural requirements.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 [7]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 As regards the substantive application, the court must be satisfied of the following:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 1. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 ASP Puran Lal has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the second respondent has possession or control of a property-tracking document.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 2. ASP P uran Lal has reasonable grounds to believe that the first respondent has committed an offence and obtained a benefit from the commission of the offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 3. The property specified in the affidavit of ASP Puran Lal is in effective control of the first respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 [8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Section 3 of the Proceeds of Crime Act defines a "property-tracking document". Section 3 states: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 "Property-tracking document", in relation to an offence, means:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (a) a document relevant to:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 (i)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 identifying, locating or quantifying the property, of a person who committed the offence; or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 (ii)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 identifying or locating any document-necessary for the transfer of property of a person who committed the offence; or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 [9] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Although the court has not been referred to any auth ority regarding the approach to this kind of application, section 50 clearly sets out the test. The test}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid731816 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 is objective one, because there must be reasonable grounds for the belief that a person is in possession or control of a property-tracking document and that a person has committed an offence and has benefitted from the offence.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 [10]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 The application of the objective test does not require the court to look beyond what was in the mind of the police officer. It was the grounds which were in the mind of ASP P uran Lal at the time which must be found to be reasonable grounds for the belief which he had formed. All that the objective test requires is that those grounds be examined objectively and that they be judged at the time application is made.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 [11]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 In his a ffidavit ASP Puran Lal states that in 2008 the first respondent held the portfolio of the Minister of Finance, when issues relating to his tax payments for preceding years were brought to the public foray. The allegations were that he failed to declare re ceipts of monies from sources outside Fiji, namely India and had also failed to declare income from investments in Australia and New Zealand.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 [12]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 As a result of these allegations, the second respondent established an independent Committee of three eminent persons to investigate the allegations. The first}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 respondent co-operated with the investigations. On 10 March 2008, the Committee published a report containing the findings of the inquiry. The first respondent was absolved from breaches of any law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 [13]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Following the report of the Committee, the Reserve Bank of Fiji sought a second opinion from a senior solicitor in Australia, J. Stephen Kos QC. According to the opinion, the respondent has breached}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4482894 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 various provisions of the Exchange Control Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act. The opinion was proffered on the facts contained in the Committee report of the second respondent.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 [14}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 ASP Puran Lal's suspicion that the first respondent has committed criminal offences are based on the contents of the report by the Committee, the admissions of facts trade before}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4482894 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 the Committee by the first respondent and the subsequent legal opinion of J. Stephens ICO, QC. He further believes that the tax documents of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 first respondent which are in possessio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4482894 n of the second respondent will}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 assist in the police investigation of potential breaches of the provisions of the Exchange Control Act and the Proceeds of Cri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4482894 me Act by the first respondent }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 and therefore the documents sought are property tracking documents. It has been shown that there had been}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4482894 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 reasonable grounds for forming such a suspicion and belief.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 [15]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 For the reasons I have given, the application is granted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12588586 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 Daniel Goundar \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11804871 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid11804871 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 At Suva \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12588586\charrsid12588586 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12588586 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 July 2010 \par \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid4482894 Solicitors: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804871\charrsid11804871 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Applicant \par }}