The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has successfully obtained a conviction against a hardware and spare parts trader based in Nadi, who has been fined over $8,000 due to fraudulent practices. The Nadi Magistrates Court found the trader guilty of eight counts of accepting payments without providing the promised goods.
Between 2020 and 2022, the trader took payments for various building materials, including timber, plywood, and cement blocks, but failed to deliver any of the items to consumers. As a result of the court’s ruling, the trader is required to pay a $1,600 fine along with $8,337 in restitution to the affected consumers. Additionally, if the fine is not paid within 28 days, the trader faces the prospect of 21 days in prison.
FCCC Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta emphasized the organization’s commitment to upholding consumer rights, stating, “We maintain zero tolerance for traders who take money without the intention to deliver. Where businesses repeatedly engage in deceptive conduct, we will pursue prosecution and ensure justice is served.” Jiuta indicated that this conviction acts as a strong warning against such unethical behavior, aimed at protecting consumers from bearing the financial consequences of unfair trading practices.
The Resident Magistrate acknowledged that while the trader had been sentenced for similar offenses in 2024 and 2025, the current cases were treated as first offenses since they occurred prior to those convictions. This highlights the FCCC’s proactive stance on addressing and rectifying unethical trading, reinforcing the importance of accountability within the marketplace and fostering a fair environment for consumers.
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