The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has been in the spotlight recently, particularly following an audit under the leadership of newly appointed Commissioner Barbara Malimali. The audit, conducted shortly after her appointment, highlighted several significant changes and restructuring efforts within the organization.
According to FICAC, the recruitment drive conducted from January 1 to September 30 this year resulted in the hiring of 44 new officers, increasing the total workforce to 154. The breakdown of recruitment shows:
– 18% in the Investigation Department
– 23% in the Legal and Prosecution Department
– 16% in the Corruption Prevention Department
– 11% in the Administration Department
– 7% in positions directly under the Office of the Commissioner
– 2% in the Finance Department
FICAC explained that the rationale behind this recruitment was the need for additional investigators due to a shortage in the Investigation Department. For instance, the FICAC Labasa office had only two investigators, necessitating temporary postings from other offices to assist with investigations.
The audit also pointed out changes stemming from a strategic plan launched in February, including the establishment of a new Economic Crime Unit within the Investigation Department. Additionally, the Legal and Prosecution Unit has been reorganized into four distinct units: the Complaints Unit, Prosecution Unit, Appeals Unit, and the Economic Crime Unit.
Further recruitment was needed to fill vacancies caused by resignations, departmental transfers, and terminations during the audit period. The Economic Crime Unit is responsible for pursuing investigations related to Civil Restraining and Forfeiture Action in Civil Court, alongside other financial crime investigations.
Renovations have also been carried out at FICAC headquarters to support the organizational restructuring and the relocation of the Corruption Prevention Department. FICAC remains committed to concluding its pending cases while maintaining independence in accordance with the law.