Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his willingness to initiate an investigation into the professional ties between iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu and his business collaborator, Jason Zhong, should it be formally presented to him. This comes following a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) that highlighted Zhong’s past convictions related to sex and drug trafficking, as well as his business partnerships with Vasu in a farming venture.
Zhong, who has faced legal challenges, including bribery allegations from Fiji’s anti-corruption commission regarding the iTaukei Land Trust Board, has been flagged in a police briefing document from 2020 as a possible member of organized crime. Despite these serious accusations, Vasu and Zhong have continued to maintain a professional relationship, establishing a ginger farming business together in 2017. This enterprise has been publicly supported by Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry, which highlighted their transition from friends to successful business partners.
OCCRP’s investigation revealed that both men were recently seen traveling together, which further underscores their ongoing relationship. Vasu confirmed that the trip was to honor Zhong’s father’s passing in China, but he has not responded to subsequent inquiries regarding their business dealings.
Rabuka stated that he has yet to receive any formal report about the matter, but if it does come to his attention, he intends to have a conversation with Vasu before taking any further action.
This situation has raised concerns regarding transparency and accountability in government dealings, particularly in relation to business and political ethics. As the situation unfolds, it will be vital for the authorities to ensure that any investigations adhere to principles of due process and fairness.
Positive note: The situation also highlights an important commitment to transparency and accountability within the Fijian government, as Prime Minister Rabuka shows readiness to examine potential conflicts of interest.
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