Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Lavi Rokoika, is pushing for a major reform of Fiji’s asset restraint and forfeiture protocols. During her testimony before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, she raised concerns about the inefficiency of the current legal framework, which permits suspects to move or hide their financial assets before legal actions conclude.
Rokoika highlighted that the existing procedures, which require approval from only the Attorney-General’s Office for asset restraint actions, often lead to significant delays that undermine FICAC’s effectiveness. She expressed dissatisfaction with the complicated process that necessitates multiple levels of approval, stating, “I find it a bit problematic.” This convoluted system can result in lengthy exchanges before any court restraints are put in place, providing suspects with a chance to abscond with funds.
She also pointed out that the necessity for separate applications for asset restraint and forfeiture exacerbates the issue and emphasized the need for streamlined procedures to enhance FICAC’s operational efficiency. “If the process could be streamlined, it would make our work more effective. Other jurisdictions deal with this more efficiently,” she asserted, urging Parliament to reconsider the current legal framework.
This call for reform arises against the backdrop of ongoing challenges faced by FICAC, including a backlog of corruption cases stemming from the disbandment of specialized anti-corruption divisions which has impeded the timely delivery of justice. These complications have led to suggestions for a specialized anti-corruption court and the implementation of new strategic operational guidelines to address delays in case resolutions.
Under Rokoika’s leadership, FICAC is already making substantial strides towards reform, including the establishment of a Special Taskforce and the hiring of senior legal consultants to prioritize unresolved cases. These initiatives reflect a promising commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability in Fiji’s governance and aim to restore public confidence in institutions dedicated to combating corruption.
Through these efforts, there is renewed optimism for a more efficient and effective anti-corruption framework in Fiji, ultimately contributing to a governance landscape that upholds integrity and ethical practices.