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Fiji’s Criminal Underworld: A Growing Concern

A recent report has highlighted the growing threat of criminal networks in Fiji, with drug trafficking, human trafficking, and wildlife trafficking being major concerns.

Criminal Networks

According to sources, criminal networks have links to foreign groups, particularly in the cocaine trade, where they receive payment in cocaine which is then used to feed the domestic market. These networks are also involved in small-scale robberies, burglaries, and pickpocketing, especially in tourist areas.

Asian Organized Crime

The influence of Chinese mafia-style groups has been declining, but elements of Asian organized crime remain active in Fiji’s criminal underworld, with a stake in prostitution, illegal gambling, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

State-Embedded Actors

State-embedded actors have also been accused of facilitating organized crime in the country, although their influence is limited. Reports suggest that low-level officials aid human trafficking by obstructing investigations, while police corruption has increased due to an increase in drug trafficking through Fiji.

Leadership and Governance

Fiji has held two democratic elections since the 2006 coup d’état, which were reportedly fair and credible according to international observers. However, the country’s public administration has been called into question, with widespread corruption and limited oversight mechanisms in place.

International Treaties

Fiji is party to several international treaties and conventions related to organized crime, but it is not a signatory to UNTOC or its protocols. The Extradition Act 2003 regulates matters of extradition, but there are no bilateral or multilateral prisoner transfer agreements in effect.

Criminal Justice and Security

Judiciary

The country’s constitution guarantees independence of the judiciary, but political interference in the appointment and dismissal of judges persists. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions handles serious cases, including organized crime.

Prisons

Fijian prisons do not meet international standards, with overcrowding, inefficient essential services, and decaying infrastructure being major issues. Smuggling of goods and drugs in prisons, as well as abuse of inmates, are also recognized as problems by international observers.

Economic and Financial Environment

Property Rights

Property rights in Fiji are generally respected, but obtaining land titles remains difficult. The business environment has improved, with workers now permitted to form trade unions and exercise the right to strike.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy, with reports indicating that almost two- thirds of Fijian workers are now part of the informal economy.

Anti-Money-Laundering Framework

Fiji has strengthened its anti-money-laundering framework and addressed deficiencies identified by the Asia/ Pacific Group on Money Laundering. The country has a financial intelligence unit tasked with gathering and analyzing information related to money laundering.

Support Services

To address high levels of violence against women, Fiji set up a sexual crimes division in 2019 as well as a victim and witness-assistance unit. However, support and healthcare provided to drug users is poor, with the only treatment available being in a psychiatric facility in the capital, Suva.

Prevention Efforts

Prevention efforts are also substandard, with little effort made to prevent human trafficking or reduce demand for forced labor and sexual exploitation. Cocaine addiction is on the rise, and awareness campaigns directed mainly at schoolchildren are inefficient.

Media and Civil Society

Fiji has an active media community, which is somewhat constrained by the media industry development decree. Civil society is well-developed and active, but there are strict sedition laws that limit initiatives civil society organizations can undertake and criminalize criticism of the government.