The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has reported a notable increase in complaints of corruption, with 681 cases recorded in 2024, a sharp rise from 318 in 2023. Justice Minister Siromi Turaga discussed this uptick during a parliamentary session, attributing it to the commission’s intensified outreach and public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging citizens to report corrupt activities.
FICAC’s commitment to addressing public concerns remains strong as evidenced by the documentation of 221 complaints in the first half of 2025. Currently, the commission is actively investigating 152 cases, highlighting ongoing public engagement in the fight against corruption. The increase in prosecution efforts is also noteworthy, with 10 new charges filed in 2025 following 33 in the prior year, and 16 individuals charged thus far in 2025. However, the conviction rates have been modest: nine convictions were recorded in 2023, 13 in 2024, and seven by mid-2025.
Minister Turaga pointed out that overloaded court schedules have contributed to delays in hearing cases, a challenge that FICAC is seeking to mitigate. The commission has recently adopted new strategies under the acting commissioner, including requesting shorter adjournment periods to expedite the legal proceedings, aiming for adjournments of only three to ten days.
Despite these challenges, including specific legislative gaps such as those affecting personal vaping regulations, Turaga reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving its anti-corruption efforts. The surge in reported complaints signals a growing public consciousness and readiness to confront corrupt practices. This positive trend could have a significant impact on governance and policy in Fiji, as FICAC’s continuous educational outreach and proactive initiatives foster a culture of integrity and accountability, paving the way for improved transparency in government operations.