Fugang Zhao, a businessman and hotelier based in Suva, has firmly rejected allegations suggesting he leads an organized crime group in Fiji. This denial follows a report from the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which delves into Zhao’s connections with high-ranking former Fijian officials.
The OCCRP report claims that Fiji police had previously cautioned former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho regarding Zhao’s associations. Despite these warnings, both officials reportedly continued their interactions with him. In defense of Zhao, Suva lawyer Nikheel Nambiar labeled the claims as “baseless,” asserting that Zhao has never engaged in any unlawful activities.
The investigative report by OCCRP highlights Zhao as a pivotal figure in China’s efforts to extend its influence in Fiji, especially with heightened scrutiny following the change of government in 2022. Earlier this year, Australian intelligence agencies tagged him as a “priority target” due to inconclusive suspicions of organized crime links—although no evidence has been made public.
Despite Zhao’s denials, critics argue that past government administrations turned a blind eye to rising drug trafficking, notably of methamphetamines and cocaine, in a region strategically positioned for such illegal activities. The OCCRP claims to possess a police briefing from 2020 which identifies Zhao as the leader of a suspected organized crime group connected to Fiji’s ethnic Chinese community.
One named individual, Jason Zhong, has a criminal history involving drug manufacturing and human trafficking. However, Nambiar contended that Zhao has no ties to Zhong. Various police sources have claimed their investigations into Zhao’s alleged crime group were obstructed, while Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua confirmed that both Bainimarama and Qiliho had indeed associated with Zhao, albeit he did not comment on ongoing investigations.
Nambiar emphasized that Zhao’s relationships with former officials were strictly professional, largely driven by the service-oriented nature of the tourism industry. Furthermore, he noted that while his law firm connects to companies owned by Qiliho and his spouse, this was a separate matter from his representation of Zhao.
As part of his business operations, Zhao’s Yue Lai Hotel has significantly engaged with local and Chinese officials, hosting numerous events that underline the bilateral relationship between Fiji and China. While the Fijian government is committed to tackling narcotics and corruption, Zhao’s public profile remains prominent even amid scrutiny.
Despite the serious allegations, this situation presents an opportunity for Fiji to clarify its governance and law enforcement practices, potentially reinforcing its commitment to combat organized crime and enhancing its tourism sector through transparency and integrity.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the allegations facing Fugang Zhao and the responses from involved parties, shedding light on the complex dynamics between business interests and governance in Fiji. The story underscores the importance of ongoing scrutiny and accountability in addressing corruption and organized crime in the region.
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