Financial Crime World

Fiji’s Financial Industries Plagued by Corruption: FICAC Reports 264 Complaints in 11 Months

Staggering Number of Corruption Complaints Received by FICAC

A total of 264 cases have been reported to Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) between January and November this year. This staggering number includes:

  • 114 corruption-related complaints: A significant portion of the complaints received by FICAC are related to corruption.
  • 150 non-corruption-related issues: The remaining complaints relate to other issues, such as administrative matters.

Cases Taken to Court and Individuals Charged

In the past year, FICAC has taken 19 cases to court and charged 30 individuals for corruption offenses. One of the most prominent cases is the driver’s license scam, which saw five former Land Transport Authority officers charged with forgery and bribery.

Driver’s License Scam

The scam involved the fraudulent conversion of 234 overseas driver’s licenses to local Fiji driver’s licenses between 2020 and early 2022. However, as the case is currently before the court, further details cannot be revealed at this time.

FICAC’s Corruption Prevention Department

In addition to its investigation and prosecution functions, FICAC also operates a corruption prevention department. This department works to raise awareness of the risks of corruption through programs such as:

  • Good Kiddo Program: A program aimed at promoting ethical behavior among children.
  • Anti-fraud awareness sessions: Sessions held to educate individuals about fraud and how to prevent it.
  • Community outreach initiatives: Outreach programs designed to engage with communities and promote anti-corruption messages.

FICAC also assists government ministries and departments in reviewing policies and practices that may be conducive to corruption.

Backlog of Cases Pending Investigation

Despite making significant progress, FICAC still has a backlog of 223 cases pending investigation as of October 31st. While the commission strives to complete cases within a reporting period, some cases require more time due to their complexity and the volume of documentation involved.