The risk of money laundering in Fiji has been deemed high in the latest report by the Fiji Intelligence Unit, which outlines the National Policy on Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing. The findings are based on the 2025 National Risk Assessment and reveal that five primary criminal activities significantly contribute to this elevated risk, particularly emphasizing narcotics-related offences, which present a growing challenge.
Fiji’s strategic geographic position has made it a crucial transshipment route for illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamines and cocaine, flowing from the United States and South America toward markets in Australia and New Zealand. This illicit trade is not only impacting the region’s stability but has also led to increased domestic narcotics usage and the emergence of local organised crime groups.
The report identifies organised crime and racketeering as another escalating threat, encompassing activities such as narcotics trafficking, cybercrime, fraud, and human trafficking. The presence of transnational criminal syndicates, including outlaw motorcycle gangs, has strengthened in Fiji, largely bolstered by deportees from abroad.
Additionally, taxation and customs-related crimes, including smuggling and tax evasion, have been identified as significant contributors to money laundering risks. This includes issues like false declarations of income and VAT fraud. Environmental crimes, such as illegal logging and wildlife trafficking, are also highlighted as sources of substantial criminal proceeds, presenting a stable but high laundering risk.
Bribery and corruption are described as high but stable threats. While the report does not reveal instances of grand corruption, it points to ongoing concerns related to bribery, forgery, embezzlement, and fraud within the nation.
Fiji is portrayed as facing a complex cross-border money laundering environment, acting as both a transit point and a source of illicit funds. An examination of money laundering investigations conducted from 2020 to 2024 shows a pronounced international nexus, with numerous cases involving both Fiji and other foreign jurisdictions.
The assessment scrutinizes 25 sectors that are susceptible to money laundering and terrorist financing, identifying five sectors with high net risks: commercial banks, foreign exchange dealers and money changers, payment service providers, legal practitioners, and real estate agents. These sectors are characterized by high transaction volumes and diverse customer profiles, which expose existing controls as insufficient to fully counteract their inherent vulnerabilities.
Despite the challenges outlined in the report, the findings highlight a growing awareness and responsiveness to money laundering risks within Fiji. Authorities are expected to take action to enhance regulations and strengthen enforcement measures to combat these threats effectively, fostering a safer and more transparent financial environment in the country.