Suva businessman and hotelier Fugang Zhao has rejected allegations linking him to organized crime in Fiji. His denial followed an investigative report released by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) on Thursday, which scrutinized Zhao’s ties to former Fijian officials, including ex-Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho.
The report indicated that Fiji Police had previously cautioned both Bainimarama and Qiliho about Zhao’s associations; however, they reportedly continued their interactions with him. Zhao’s lawyer, Nikheel Nambiar, labeled the accusations as “baseless,” asserting that Zhao does not engage in or support any criminal activities.
OCCRP characterized Zhao as a significant player in China’s efforts to expand its influence in Fiji, claiming his scrutiny intensified following the government’s shift in 2022. The report also noted that both Australian intelligence and law enforcement agencies had identified Zhao as a “priority target” amid suggestions of organized crime connections. Importantly, no concrete evidence has been presented publicly against him.
Critics of Bainimarama’s government have suggested that it overlooked rising instances of meth and cocaine trafficking in recent years, given Fiji’s strategic position as a logistics and tourism hub between drug-producing regions and markets in Australia and New Zealand. Furthermore, OCCRP claims to possess a Fiji police briefing from 2020, which implicates Zhao as the head of a suspected local organized crime group, reportedly involving members of the Chinese diaspora.
Zhao has denied any links to purported group member Jason Zhong, a convicted criminal with a history of drug trafficking and sex trafficking. Nambiar has emphasized that Zhao has no personal or professional bonds with high-profile figures like Bainimarama or Qiliho, treating them with respect appropriate for their positions.
Despite these allegations, Zhao appears to maintain his public standing, continuing to foster connections with the Chinese government and participating in significant events alongside Fijian officials. In light of the current Coalition Government’s commitment to addressing narcotics trafficking and police corruption, Zhao’s ongoing role in Sino-Fijian relations sheds light on the complex interplay of business, politics, and diplomacy.
This situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, as well as the need for public officials to engage with their constituents responsibly. As Fiji strives towards a more open political landscape, continued scrutiny of such associations will be crucial in ensuring the integrity of its governance.
Overall, while challenges arise in addressing organized crime and foreign influence, the efforts to bring these issues to light may ultimately contribute to a safer and more just society in Fiji.
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