$150k land sale scam discovered; two people arrested

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Two individuals have been arrested in relation to the scam and for issuing fake receipts to interested buyers with a stamp carrying the supposed endorsement of the Minister. Picture: SUPPLIED

A scam involving the illegal sale of land in Makoi worth over $150,000 was discovered by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), with the assistance of the Ministry of Housing and Community Development.

According to a FICAC statement released today, this is in relation to the relocation project to move squatters in the Nanuku Settlement to Makoi with investigations revealing that more than 80 people were tricked into paying money thinking they were purchasing land in Makoi from the Minister, when no such deal existed.

“Two individuals have been arrested in relation to the scam and for issuing fake receipts to interested buyers with a stamp carrying the supposed endorsement of the Minister,” the statement said.

“FICAC wishes to inform the public that the Minister and Ministry are not partaking in transactions such as these and anyone claiming this should be reported immediately.

“Furthermore, FICAC invites the public to come forward with evidence or information relating to this scam, especially if they have also fallen victim to this.

“A copy of the receipt issued during these fake transactions is below to identify the fake receipts, as the Ministry does not issue receipts like this.

“For further queries, please call the FICAC toll-free line 1322.”

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