Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Lavi Rokoika, has advocated for a significant overhaul of Fiji’s asset restraint and forfeiture procedures. In her testimony to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Rokoika expressed concerns that the current legal framework is inefficient, allowing suspects the opportunity to relocate or conceal their financial assets before legal actions are finalized.
Rokoika pointed out that the existing system, which mandates that only the Attorney-General’s Office can approve asset restraint actions, contributes to substantial delays that impair the effectiveness of FICAC. “I find it a bit problematic,” she remarked, indicating distress over the convoluted process that requires multiple approvals before any assets can be sold or forfeited. Once a referral is made to the Attorney-General, a lengthy back-and-forth exchange occurs before any court restraints can be enforced, creating an environment where suspects can abscond with funds.
She noted that the cumbersome process encompasses separate applications for asset restraint and forfeiture, underscoring that streamlining these procedures could enhance FICAC’s operational efficacy. “If the process could be streamlined, it would make our work more effective. Other jurisdictions deal with this more efficiently,” she urged, calling on Parliament to reconsider the current legal approach.
This call for reform comes in light of broader challenges faced by FICAC, including the longstanding backlog of corruption cases due to the dissolution of specialized anti-corruption divisions, which has hindered timely justice. These issues have led to recommendations for establishing a specialized anti-corruption court and implementing new strategic operational guidelines to grapple with prolonged delays in case resolutions.
FICAC is already engaging in significant reforms under Rokoika’s leadership, including the formation of a Special Taskforce and employing senior legal consultants to prioritize long-standing cases. These changes signal a promising commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability in Fiji’s governance, aiming to rebuild public trust in institutions responsible for fighting corruption.
Through these developments, there is a renewed hope for a more streamlined and effective anti-corruption approach in Fiji, ultimately contributing to a governance landscape that champions integrity and ethical standards.