Fiji’s Anti-Corruption Body Receives 264 Complaints in First Eleven Months of Year

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The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has received a total of 264 complaints from January to November this year, with 114 of those cases related to corruption.

Breakdown of Complaints

264 complaints received from January to November
114 cases related to corruption
Rest of the non-corruption-related complaints referred to relevant authorities for further action

FICAC’s Proactive Approach

FICAC’s Corruption Prevention Department is working tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of bribery and fraud across all sectors of society through programs such as:

Good Kiddo Program
Anti-Fraud Awareness sessions

These initiatives aim to educate the public on the importance of integrity and ethical behavior in their daily lives.

Assistance to Government Ministries and Departments

FICAC is also assisting government ministries and departments in reviewing policies that may be conducive to corruption. This proactive approach aims to prevent corruption from occurring in the first place.

Ongoing Investigations

However, despite FICAC’s efforts, 223 cases are still pending investigation, and some cases require more time to complete due to complexity.

Notable Corruption Cases

One of the most notable corruption cases this year is the driver’s license scam, which saw five former Land Transport Authority officers charged with forgery and bribery. The scheme involved the fraudulent conversion of 234 overseas driver’s licenses to local Fiji driver’s licenses between 2020 and early 2022.

FICAC’s Commitment

FICAC emphasized that they are committed to tackling corruption in all its forms and will continue to work towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government and public institutions.