Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku has highlighted the insufficient use of existing laws aimed at tackling unexplained wealth and asset recovery in the ongoing battle against drug-related crime in Fiji. Speaking at the 27th Attorney General’s Conference held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, Rabuku pointed out that the legislation allowing for the identification of unexplained wealth has been part of Fijian law since 2012. This law empowers citizens to lodge complaints regarding misdemeanours, potentially leading to court declarations.
Rabuku emphasized the importance of understanding the origins of a person’s wealth, particularly when their financial situation does not align with their assets. He mentioned that the current legal framework provides for both conviction-based and non-conviction-based asset investigations, which remain underutilized. “Under our laws, you’re able to make a complaint about a misdemeanor. And the investigators can conduct an investigation, taking the matter to court for a declaration. However, this has not been pursued for years,” he stated.
He urged citizens to become proactive in reporting unexplained wealth, as these laws have the potential to disrupt and dismantle crime syndicates within the community. “If you can’t explain a particular part of your wealth, then it’s considered tainted or deemed a proceeds of crime,” Rabuku noted.
Rabuku suggested that the focus should center on individual offenders rather than established drug networks, pointing out the presence of individuals in villages with significant wealth yet no apparent legitimate source of income. He shared concerns over the difficulty in addressing such situations, particularly when the assets are tied up in native land.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva echoed Rabuku’s sentiments, underscoring the need for public engagement in reporting unexplained wealth. “Yes, people are talking about it, but who’s reporting? There is a collective responsibility for community members to address these issues,” she remarked. Tikoisuva also mentioned the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit, which monitors compliance among banks and the reporting of suspicious transactions.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu expressed strong support for enhancing this area of law enforcement, confirming that investigators are focused on these challenges. He pointed out the necessity of strengthening specialized police units, including those responsible for asset recovery and money laundering, in response to the sophisticated nature of crimes being encountered.
This call to action brings a hopeful perspective, as it emphasizes that the legal tools to combat crime are currently in place and only require community involvement and a commitment to enforcement to be effective. With concerted efforts from authorities and public collaboration, there is a path forward to tackling unsanctioned wealth and dismantling drug-related crime in Fiji.
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