Convicted businessman and former sports leader Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa has returned to Fiji, but he still faces ongoing legal challenges. Although he has served a reduced sentence in New Zealand for drug importation, Fijian authorities are actively investigating him for serious allegations.
Musa, a noted figure in the sports and business realms, was sentenced to four years in prison in August 2023 for smuggling $5 million worth of pseudoephedrine from Fiji to New Zealand. This substance is a crucial component in methamphetamine production, and Musa was linked to the importation while overseeing over ten pharmacies in the Pacific.
After successfully appealing for a six-month sentence reduction, Musa returned to Fiji last Wednesday. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mesake Waqa confirmed that investigations are still in progress, concentrating on organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and funds misappropriation.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Serious Organised Crime Unit are leading this inquiry, following reports from Fiji’s Financial Intelligence Unit. ACP Waqa stated, “There are still active investigations into these matters, and we are pursuing them with due diligence.”
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua emphasized the government’s strong stance against crime, asserting that “no one is above the law.” While he acknowledged Musa’s return, he chose not to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
Tikoduadua reiterated the commitment to combating narcotics and organized crime. “Law enforcement will ensure due process is followed in every investigation to protect our communities from the harm caused by illicit activities,” he added.
Musa, who previously served as vice-president of the Fiji Football Association, was a prominent businessman with ventures in various sectors, including pharmacies, restaurants, and real estate. His arrest and subsequent conviction have created a significant impact in Fiji, damaging the reputation of an individual who was once highly regarded in both the sporting and pharmaceutical fields.