Fiji Compliant with International Anti-Terrorism Financing Requirements
Suva, Fiji - The Republic of Fiji has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to combat terrorism and terrorist financing by being rated compliant with international anti-terrorism financing requirements.
Mutual Evaluation Report Highlights Fiji’s Compliance
The latest Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) released by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has highlighted that Fiji’s legislative framework is comprehensive and addresses technical gaps identified in previous evaluations. The country’s anti-terrorist financing laws are now aligned with international standards, ensuring that individuals and organizations can be held accountable for terrorist financing activities.
Strong Legislative Framework
Fiji’s Public Order Act (POA) provides strong legal provisions to combat terrorist financing offenses. Criminal sanctions include fines of up to FJD 120,000 (~USD 57,000) or imprisonment for 20 years, or both. Legal persons convicted of such offenses are liable for a maximum fine of FJD 600,000 (~USD 284,000).
Ancillary Offenses and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
The report also notes that Fiji’s legislative framework contains a range of ancillary offenses related to terrorist financing. Additionally, the country’s anti-terrorism laws cover acts committed in and outside of Fiji.
Progress Made Since Previous Evaluation
Fiji was previously rated non-compliant with international anti-terrorist financing requirements due to technical gaps in its legislation. However, following the adoption of the MER 2016, Fiji swiftly introduced amendments to the Public Order (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2017, which came into force on February 17, 2017.
Designation Criteria and Competent Authority
The competent authority responsible for proposing persons or entities to be designated by the United Nations Security Council has been identified as the Minister of Justice. The criteria for designation are set out in Section 12P(1) of the POA and include knowingly committing or participating in terrorist acts.
Significant Step Forward in Combating Terrorism
Fiji’s compliance with international anti-terrorism financing requirements is a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to combat terrorism and terrorist financing. The rating reflects Fiji’s commitment to implementing effective measures to prevent the misuse of its financial system for terrorist purposes.
Key Takeaways:
- Fiji has been rated compliant with international anti-terrorism financing requirements.
- The country’s legislative framework is comprehensive and addresses technical gaps identified in previous evaluations.
- Criminal sanctions for terrorist financing offenses include fines or imprisonment.
- Fiji’s anti-terrorism laws cover acts committed in and outside of the country.
- The Minister of Justice is responsible for proposing persons or entities to be designated by the United Nations Security Council.