Criminal Networks Widen Reach in Fiji

A recent report by the International Crime Research Institute (ICRI) has revealed that criminal networks are becoming increasingly prominent in Fiji, with drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other illicit activities on the rise.

Links to Foreign Groups

According to the report, criminal networks have links to foreign groups, particularly in the cocaine trade. These networks receive payments in cocaine which is then fed into the domestic market. Small, ad-hoc organized crime groups also operate in towns popular with tourists, targeting unsuspecting visitors.

Asian Organized Crime and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

The influence of Chinese mafia-style groups has been declining, but elements of Asian organized crime are still active in Fiji’s criminal underworld, involved in prostitution, illegal gambling, cybercrime, and drug trafficking. Meanwhile, outlaw motorcycle gangs from Australia have made a foothold in the country, becoming more involved in the drug trade.

State-Embedded Actors Facilitate Organized Crime

The report highlights that state-embedded actors, such as low-level officials, aid human trafficking by obstructing investigations and contributing to police corruption. However, there is no indication of domestic mafia-style groups being active in Fiji.

Leadership and Governance

Fiji has recognized transnational organized crime as a national security issue and taken steps to minimize the threat. However, the country’s public administration integrity has been called into question, with widespread corruption and limited oversight mechanisms.

Transparency standards have improved, but more efforts are needed to address these issues.
Fiji is party to several international treaties and conventions related to organized crime, but its legislation on the topic is outdated or non-existent.

Criminal Justice and Security

The country’s penal system does not meet international standards, with overcrowding, inefficient essential services, and decaying infrastructure identified as key issues. Smuggling of goods and drugs in prisons, as well as abuse of inmates, are also recognized problems.

Law enforcement capacity is high, but funding is poor.
The transnational crime unit is tasked with countering organized crime, but the country’s geographic and topographic features make it difficult to monitor and police.

Economic and Financial Environment

Fiji’s property rights are generally respected, but obtaining land titles remains difficult. The business environment has improved, but the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy, with many workers likely part of the informal economy.

The country has strengthened its anti-money-laundering framework and addressed deficiencies identified by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering.
However, support and healthcare for drug users are poor, and prevention efforts are substandard.

Fiji has set up a sexual crimes division and victim and witness-assistance unit to address high levels of violence against women. However, support and healthcare for drug users is limited, and prevention efforts are lacking.

The country’s civil society is active, but NGOs have not addressed issues specifically linked to organized crime.
The media community is also constrained in its work by the media industry development decree.

Experts Call for Action

ICRI experts are calling for immediate action to address the growing threat of organized crime in Fiji. They urge the government to strengthen legislation and enforcement efforts to combat human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities.

“The situation in Fiji is concerning,” said ICRI Director-General Dr. Maria Rodriguez. “We need to see concerted effort from the government, civil society, and the media to address these issues and protect the people of Fiji.”