A businessman with ties to the Chinese Communist Party and previously ranked as one of Australia’s most wanted criminals has made headlines by launching a new media venture in Fiji. Zhao Fugang, in collaboration with lawyer Nikheel Nambiar, established the Duavata Broadcasting Company Pte Ltd in May. Joining them in this enterprise is Arnold Jushneil Chanel, who oversees Duavata News, which provides coverage of both local and international topics.
As it stands, Zhao and Nambiar together hold a substantial 70 percent of Duavata Broadcasting, while Chanel possesses the remaining 30 percent. The company is officially registered at Zhao’s Yue Lai Hotel in Suva. Following the company’s establishment, Duavata News created a Facebook presence in June and launched a dedicated website by September 2024. Chanel has asserted that the project is self-funded and claims that Zhao did not provide financial backing or play an operational role, despite his legal ownership stake.
Chanel explained that the media company was originally set up to formalize a prospective investment from Zhao, which ultimately did not come to fruition. Initial miscommunications gave rise to misunderstandings over Zhao’s involvement, particularly as Duavata Broadcasting was listed as the copyright holder on the news site’s digital platforms, raising concerns about transparency in its operations.
Zhao’s history is punctuated by serious allegations including drug trafficking and money laundering, leading Australian authorities to classify him as a “priority organizational target.” Despite the severity of these accusations, he has not faced any formal charges, maintaining his innocence while his lawyer has dismissed the claims as baseless.
This situation not only highlights the complexities of Zhao’s new business venture in media but also poses critical questions regarding governance and accountability within Fiji. The emergence of such a company amidst Zhao’s scrutinized background underscores the challenges the Fijian government continues to confront in navigating potential connections between business interests, politics, and organized crime.
On a more positive note, these developments might encourage a heightened sense of vigilance regarding governance in Fiji, fostering a more transparent and accountable environment that could ultimately attract local and international investors. As the country grapples with corruption and drug-related issues, ensuring ethical practices in business and media operations is essential for future stability and enhancing international relations.
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