Fugang Zhao, a businessman and hotelier based in Suva, has firmly denied allegations suggesting that he leads an organized crime group in Fiji. His rebuttal follows a report by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which investigated Zhao’s connections with high-ranking former officials in Fiji.
The OCCRP’s report indicates that Fiji Police had previously warned former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho about Zhao’s associations, but the two continued to engage with him. In response to the claims, Suva lawyer Nikheel Nambiar described these reports as unfounded, asserting that Mr. Zhao has not engaged in or supported any criminal activities.
The investigative report from OCCRP paints Zhao as a significant player in China’s strategy to expand its influence in Fiji, drawing attention to increased focus on him following the change in government in 2022. Earlier this year, reports surfaced indicating that Australian intelligence had classified Mr. Zhao as a “priority target” over suspicions of organized crime linkages; however, no concrete evidence has been made public.
Zhao’s connection to organized crime seemed to stem from a police briefing that depicted him as a leader of a local organized crime group allegedly linked to the Chinese diaspora in Fiji. This purported group reportedly included Jason Zhong, a convicted criminal known for drug manufacturing and trafficking. However, Nambiar has clarified that Zhao has no ties to Zhong.
Amid ongoing investigations, Fiji Police sources claim that attempts to probe the alleged crime group faced blockages from former Commissioner Qiliho. Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, acknowledged that both Bainimarama and Qiliho had associated with Zhao but abstained from commenting on specifics regarding investigations.
In his defense, Mr. Nambiar emphasized that Zhao maintains no personal ties to Bainimarama and Qiliho, stating that his respect in their interactions stemmed from his role in the tourism sector, where customer service is paramount.
Moreover, Zhao has been active in promoting Chinese-Fijian connections, frequently hosting events at his Yue Lai Hotel, which brings together Chinese embassy officials and top Fijian politicians. Notably, he continues to maintain a public role in fostering relationships with China despite the scrutiny he faces.
The examination of Zhao’s activities arrives in a climate where Fiji’s coalition government is confronting the challenges posed by the narcotics trade and police corruption. The scenario illustrates the complexities of international business dynamics in Fiji, where the interplay between local governance and foreign investment continues to unfold.
In a hopeful light, the article presents an opportunity for Fiji to strengthen its governance structures and maintain integrity in its international relationships while ensuring a robust defense against organized crime, which can ultimately enhance tourism and investor confidence.
This situation underlines the importance of transparent governance and the ongoing commitment to combat crime while fostering positive international relations, potentially paving the way for a safer and more prosperous Fiji.
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