Financial Crime World

Fiji Compliant with International Terrorism Financing Standards

Suva, Fiji - A Significant Milestone in Combating Terrorism Financing

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has rated Fiji as compliant with its recommendations on combating terrorism financing, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat this menace.

Comprehensive Legislative Framework

According to the FATF’s assessment, Fiji’s legislative framework is comprehensive and effective in addressing terrorist financing. The country has introduced amendments to its Public Order Act, which includes provisions for designating persons or entities as terrorist financiers and freezing their assets.

  • Amendments to the Public Order Act include:
    • Provisions for designating persons or entities as terrorist financiers
    • Freezing of assets for designated individuals or entities
  • Maximum fine of FJD120,000 (approximately USD57,000) or imprisonment for up to 20 years for individuals convicted of terrorism financing
  • Maximum fine of FJD600,000 (approximately USD284,000) for legal persons convicted of the same offense

Ancillary Offenses and Criminal Sanctions

Fiji’s legislative framework includes a range of ancillary offenses related to terrorism financing. The country’s laws provide for criminal sanctions in the form of fines and imprisonment.

  • Range of ancillary offenses related to terrorism financing
  • Laws provide for criminal sanctions, including fines and imprisonment

Intent or Knowledge Requirement

The FATF assessment noted that while there is no express provision in Fiji’s law requiring intent or knowledge to prove terrorism financing offenses, case law from other crimes suggests that such intent can be inferred from objective factual circumstances.

Designation of Persons or Entities

Fiji’s laws allow for the designation of persons or entities as terrorist financiers. The country has a system in place for communicating freezing actions to financial institutions. The FATF assessment noted that Fiji’s competent authority, the Minister of Justice, is responsible for proposing individuals or entities for designation.

Positive Implications

The FATF’s rating comes after Fiji introduced amendments to its Public Order Act in 2017 to address technical gaps identified in its previous Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) 2016. The country’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to combating terrorism financing and complying with international standards.

“We are pleased that our efforts have been recognized by the FATF,” said a senior government official. “Combating terrorism financing is a priority for Fiji, and we will continue to work towards strengthening our laws and regulations to prevent and prosecute such offenses.”

The FATF’s assessment is a significant development in Fiji’s fight against terrorism financing, and it is expected to have positive implications for the country’s financial sector and its international reputation.