Financial Crime World

Fiji’s Money Laundering Threats: A Growing Concern

Suva, Fiji - The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has recently released a report highlighting the significant money laundering threats facing Fiji. The report outlines various criminal activities that contribute to these threats and estimates the annual proceeds available for laundering in and through Fiji.

Criminal Activities Contribute to Money Laundering Threats

  • Medium-level threat:
    • Robbery, aggravated burglary, and theft: estimated annual proceeds range from FJ$1 million to FJ$5 million
    • Significant amounts of cash stolen during these crimes can be laundered through various channels
  • High-level threat:
    • Environmental crime (illegal fishing and logging): estimated annual proceeds range from FJ$500,000 to FJ$5 million
    • Illegal fishing alone is believed to generate over US$600 million annually in the Pacific region, with a significant portion potentially laundered through Fiji
  • Small-level threats:
    • Piracy: estimated annual proceeds range from FJ$100,000 to FJ$500,000
    • Copyright offences (movie piracy and unauthorized music copying): estimated annual proceeds range from FJ$100,000 to FJ$500,000

Call to Action

The FIU has called on financial institutions and government agencies to use this information to inform their anti-money laundering efforts. The report provides valuable insights into the criminal activities that contribute to money laundering threats in Fiji and can help law enforcement agencies design effective mitigation measures.

Government Agencies Must Take Note

  • Reserve Bank of Fiji: monitor for relevant indicators of money laundering activity
  • Fiji Police Force: work together with financial institutions to prevent these crimes from occurring in the first place

Financial Institutions Must Stay Vigilant

  • Legal practitioners, accountants, and real estate agents: understand criminal activities that contribute to money laundering threats
  • Assess internal risks and monitor for suspicious transactions or business relationships

The FIU’s Report: A Valuable Resource

The report is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the fight against money laundering in Fiji. It provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s money laundering threats and offers practical guidance on how to mitigate these risks.

Contact Information

For more information on Fiji’s Money Laundering Threats, please contact the Financial Intelligence Unit at: