FIU reports matter of a politically exposed person receiving more than $1 million from entities and foreigners to FICAC

The Financial Intelligence Unit has reported a matter to FICAC to examine the case of a politically exposed person for possible unexplained wealth as a result of corruption and bribery.

The Unit has identified the person as only Mr. R and says he was brought to their attention for receiving large cash deposits from various individuals and entities in Fiji.

They say their analysis revealed that from 2017 to 2022, Mr. R received close to $1 million in large cash deposits from various entities and foreigners in Fiji.

The Unit says further analysis showed that Mr. R received remittances totalling half a million dollars from 2019 to 2022.

They say these remittances were received from various individuals and entities in Countries A, B, C and D and most of the remittances – approximately $370,000.00 – were received from Country A.

The Unit further says open source searches showed that Mr. R had travelled to Country A in his capacity as a politically exposed person and met with numerous government officials in Country A.

They say indicators that a crime has been committed include cash deposits apart from salary, large cheque withdrawals and large remittance from offshore.

Possible offences include unexplained wealth, corruption, bribery, possible tax related offences or tax evasion.

Questions have been sent to FICAC. They are yet to respond.