Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Lavi Rokoika, has reiterated the commission’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and building public trust in the rule of law. During a recent media briefing, Rokoika underscored FICAC’s operational independence, emphasizing that its actions are driven by evidence and remain free from the influence of external pressures, personalities, or political agendas.
To ensure impartiality, FICAC implements structured disclosure and recusal processes. Rokoika pointed out that in situations that may lead to a perceived conflict of interest, relevant disclosures are made, and those involved are excluded from decision-making. This approach seeks to enhance public confidence in the commission’s credibility and transparency.
Since June 2025, FICAC has made notable advancements in strengthening its internal framework, concentrating on improving internal systems and ensuring that investigations and prosecutions conform to legal standards. Between June and December 2025, the commission received 108 complaints, assessed 81 of them, closed 168 cases, and referred seven to the police, some of which date back to 2007.
In the Central and Eastern divisions, investigative teams achieved a high rate of case closures. The Western Division recorded the opening of 14 new files while closing 43, whereas in the Northern Division, 11 new files were opened and 13 were closed. Currently, there are 268 active investigation files with 104 pending in the Western and Northern divisions and 164 in the Central and Eastern divisions.
The Legal Division has 172 cases awaiting court resolution, with the earliest file dating back to 2013. Under Rokoika’s leadership, the filing of 14 charges has taken place, reaffirming FICAC’s commitment to pursuing cases only when adequate admissible evidence is present. She emphasized that not every complaint leads to an investigation, nor does every investigation result in prosecution, which illustrates the commission’s adherence to evidentiary standards and prosecutorial discretion.
Through these efforts, FICAC remains dedicated to maintaining its integrity, upholding the law, and fostering community engagement while reinforcing public confidence in its mission to combat corruption in Fiji.