A businessman associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and previously identified as one of Australia’s top criminal targets has recently established a new media entity in Fiji. Zhao Fugang, alongside lawyer Nikheel Nambiar, founded the Duavata Broadcasting Company Pte Ltd in May. The company is a partnership with Arnold Jushneil Chanel, who also manages Duavata News, an outlet that covers both local and international news.
Zhao and Nambiar collectively own a significant 70 percent stake in Duavata Broadcasting, while Chanel controls the remaining 30 percent, with the company registered at Zhao’s Yue Lai Hotel in Suva. Following the company’s founding, Duavata News launched a Facebook page in June and a dedicated website by September 2024. Chanel described the news operation as a self-funded initiative, insisting that Zhao had not invested financially in Duavata News and had no operational ties to it despite legal ownership stakes.
Chanel clarified that the broadcasting company was initially created with the intention of formalizing a potential investment from Zhao, which eventually did not materialize. Initial miscommunications led to misunderstandings regarding Zhao’s involvement, as Duavata Broadcasting was listed as the copyright holder on the news site’s digital platforms, sparking discussions about transparency.
The background of Zhao reveals a complicated narrative. He has been previously implicated in serious allegations, including drug smuggling and money laundering, and has been referred to by Australian authorities as a “priority organizational target.” Despite these grave suspicions, no formal charges have been filed against him. Zhao has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyer characterized the claims against him as unfounded.
The convergence of Zhao’s business activities in media with a history under scrutiny raises crucial questions about governance and accountability in Fiji. The landscape around this situation reflects ongoing challenges that the Fijian government faces pertaining to potential ties between business, politics, and organized crime, particularly amid attempts to reinforce transparency.
A hopeful perspective suggests that the developments could spur increased vigilance in governance within Fiji, ultimately fostering a more accountable environment that benefits both local and foreign investors. As the nation continues grappling with issues of corruption and drug trafficking, the focus on ethical engagement in such intersections is critical for the country’s future stability and international relations.
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