Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his willingness to initiate an investigation into the professional relationship between iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu and his business partner, Jason Zhong, should the issue be raised formally. This statement follows a report from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which highlighted Zhong’s troubling history of convictions related to sex and drug trafficking, alongside his partnership in a farming venture with Vasu.
According to the OCCRP, a police briefing document from 2020 identified Zhong as a potential figure affiliated with a local organized crime group. While Rabuka has not yet received any formal complaints regarding this matter, he indicated that he would first address the situation with Vasu if it were to escalate to his office.
The report further notes that Zhong is presently facing allegations from Fiji’s anti-corruption commission for purportedly bribing officials at the iTaukei Land Trust Board, an entity tasked with managing land leases for native clans in Fiji. Despite his legal troubles, Zhong remains closely connected with Vasu, who is charged with overseeing the land board.
Records reveal that Vasu and Zhong established a ginger farming business near Suva in 2017, which was publicly supported by Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry in 2020. Their financial interests in the agricultural endeavor are significant, amounting to approximately 1.1 million Fijian dollars, as reported in a 2022 asset declaration.
On March 30, both men were reportedly seen at Fiji’s main international airport boarding a business class flight to Hong Kong. While Zhong had sought court permission to travel due to ongoing legal issues, Vasu confirmed their trip was to commemorate the anniversary of Zhong’s father’s burial in China. However, Vasu did not elaborate on the other queries posed to him by the OCCRP.
This situation has sparked discussions about transparency and accountability in governance, emphasizing the importance of due process and investigations into potential conflicts of interest within the government. If an investigation proceeds, it could serve as a significant step towards ensuring integrity in public office.
In summary, the Prime Minister is open to investigating the ties between Minister Vasu and Zhong, which could lead to increased scrutiny and ultimately foster greater accountability. This highlights the government’s commitment to addressing potential misconduct and ensuring fair governance in Fiji.
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