Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Lavi Rokoika, emphasized the organization’s commitment to combating corruption during a recent media conference. She outlined the commission’s core responsibilities which include preventing, investigating, and prosecuting corruption, all while reinforcing integrity systems and public confidence in the legal framework.
Rokoika affirmed the necessity for FICAC to operate with independence, solely guided by evidence. She emphasized that decisions within the commission are made through well-established legal and operational procedures, devoid of influences from personalities, political pressures, or external forces. To maintain this independence, FICAC enforces structured disclosure and recusal mechanisms, ensuring that any potential conflicts of interest are transparently handled and that concerned individuals are excluded from relevant decision-making processes.
Since June 2025, the focus has been on enhancing FICAC’s foundational structures. This includes refining internal systems to elevate the standards of investigations and prosecutions, as well as implementing a strategic plan aimed at improving overall efficacy.
In terms of operational achievements, Rokoika reported that between June and December 2025, FICAC received 108 complaints, of which 81 were assessed. The commission successfully closed 168 cases and referred seven matters to the police, including several cases dating back to 2007. The Western Division saw 14 new files opened and 43 closed, while the Northern Division opened 11 new files and closed 13.
Currently, FICAC is managing 268 active investigation files, with a significant number pending in both the Western and Northern divisions, as well as in the Central and Eastern divisions. The Legal Division has 172 matters pending in court, with the oldest file originating from 2013.
Rokoika noted that since taking office, 14 charges have been filed, underscoring the commission’s commitment to prosecuting cases only when sufficient admissible evidence exists. She clarified that not every complaint leads to an investigation, nor does every investigation guarantee prosecution, highlighting a careful and lawful approach to upholding evidentiary standards and exercising prosecutorial discretion.
With these proactive measures and a transparent approach, FICAC aims to bolster public trust in its efforts to combat corruption and enhance Fiji’s integrity systems.
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