Fiji Intelligence Unit Uncovers $220 Million Worth of Financial Crimes

The Fiji Intelligence Unit has made a significant breakthrough, detecting over $220 million worth of suspected financial crimes, including tax evasion, money laundering, and other fraudulent activities.

Investigation Highlights

• The unit issued 317 intelligence case dissemination reports to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.
• Over 70% of these reports focused on tax crimes.
• The investigations have resulted in a substantial increase in revenue, with total tax and penalties assessed amounting to $6.6 million.

Sector-Specific Investigations

• Businesses dealing in the wholesale and retail of motor vehicles were among those targeted by the authorities.
• 21% of the assessed penalties attributed to these sectors.

Collaboration Key to Success

• The Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Visvanath Das, praised the unit’s referral reports, stating that they play a crucial role in uncovering fraudulent acts where businesses fail to pay their fair share of taxes.
• Two Revenue and Customs Service officers are currently based at the unit on a full-time secondment to achieve stronger collaboration between the two agencies.

Staying Vigilant

• Authorities acknowledge that Fiji’s tax compliance culture is improving, but they will come down hard on individuals and businesses that violate their tax obligations.
• The Fiji Intelligence Unit and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service have pledged to continue working together to combat financial fraud and ensure that those who engage in illegal activities are held accountable.