Financial Crime World

United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Intergovernmental Working Group on Asset Recovery (IRG) Report: Fiji’s Implementation

Vulnerability to Corruption

Fiji’s vulnerability to corruption, particularly in the realm of bullion dealers, has been assessed by the IRG report. Key findings include:

  • Very low vulnerability: The report rates Fiji’s vulnerability as very low due to the presence of only small-scale dealers in precious metals and precious stones.
  • Limited retail business: These dealers primarily engage in retail business involving homemade jewels with a value below the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) threshold of 15,000 US dollars/euros.

Recommendations for Fiji

To strengthen its anti-corruption framework, the IRG report recommends that Fiji:

1. Develop Mechanisms for Periodic Evaluation

  • Legal instruments and administrative measures: Develop a mechanism for periodic evaluation of relevant anti-corruption legal instruments and administrative measures.
  • Open Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Guideline: Broaden the coverage of this guideline beyond civil servants to all public officials.

2. Enhance Public Official Accountability

  • Identification of vulnerable positions: Identify and introduce adequate procedures for the selection, training, and rotation of public positions considered especially vulnerable to corruption.
  • Conflict-of-interest management: Consider adopting guidance on conflict-of-interest management.
  • Code of conduct bill: Take steps towards the adoption and implementation of this bill, including measures on disclosure of conflicts of interest, assets, and liabilities, and establishment of an Accountability and Transparency Commission.

3. Strengthen Mechanisms for Reporting Suspected Corruption

  • Public officials’ reporting mechanisms: Strengthen mechanisms for public officials to report suspected acts of corruption.
  • Private sector entities: Prevent corruption involving private sector entities by adopting standards of business ethics or conduct.

Asset Recovery Framework in Fiji

Fiji’s asset recovery framework comprises provisions in:

  • Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act
  • Proceeds of Crime Act
  • Financial Transactions Reporting Act

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions handles applications for asset recovery, while the Office of the Attorney General is the central authority for mutual legal assistance.

Cooperation with Foreign Countries

Fiji has not refused any requests for asset recovery and has cooperated successfully with requesting States in two completed cases involving matters not related to corruption.