Fiji’s Fight Against Cybercrime: Unity and Strategy in Focus

Fiji’s Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to strengthening its legal framework, training, and technical capabilities to combat cybercrime and its negative impacts on the economy. Speaking at the Regional Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence Workshop held at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort, Turaga highlighted the enactment of the Cybercrime Act 2021 and Fiji’s adherence to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, which aligns the country with international best practices.

Turaga emphasized the necessity of continuously updating laws, training law enforcement personnel, and enhancing both national and regional readiness to face cyber threats. He urged participants to collaborate on developing effective strategies to safeguard the Pacific’s digital space, asserting that no foreign entity or hacker should be allowed to undermine regional security and economic stability.

Acknowledging that Fiji is not exempt from the global threat posed by cybercrime, he pointed to the increasing incidence of online risks such as phishing, ransomware, and financial scams, including a recent M-Paisa fraud case. The workshop aimed to bolster skills for preventing cybercrime and managing electronic evidence, gathering law enforcement officials and legal experts to exchange knowledge and tactics in combating digital criminality.

Hosted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with support from the European Union for the Pacific, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe, this workshop marks a significant step in Fiji’s commitment to enhancing the protective measures of Pacific nations against the growing menace of cyber threats.

This initiative is a hopeful sign of Fiji’s proactive approach in fighting cybercrime, fostering regional collaboration, and ensuring a safer digital environment for its citizens. As nations work together, the potential for creating resilient defenses against cyber threats increases, ultimately leading to a more secure and prosperous future for the Pacific region.