The Fijian Government is encouraging relevant United States authorities to share credible information or evidence of alleged offences committed in Fiji with their Fijian counterparts for assessment and investigation, where warranted.
This follows a notice by the U.S. State Department publicly designating Zhao Fugang, Director of the Overseas Chinese Service Centre in Fiji, over his alleged involvement in significant corruption on behalf of China-based actors.
The Department says the designation makes Fugang and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States.
It alleges that Fugang abused his public position by paying bribes to Fijian citizens to advance the interests of China-based government, business and criminal actors.
The Department says his alleged actions constituted significant corruption and adversely affected U.S. interests in Fiji.
It adds that the United States will hold accountable those who abuse their positions for personal gain and continue to fight corruption that fuels drug trafficking, enables transnational criminal organisations and threatens U.S. interests around the world.
In a statement, the Fijian Government acknowledged the decision by the United States, saying that while it respects the U.S. government's sovereign right to make decisions under its own laws and policies, any allegations of unlawful conduct within Fiji must be addressed through the appropriate Fijian legal and law enforcement processes.
The Government further stresses that allegations do not constitute proof of wrongdoing and that any action taken by Fijian authorities must uphold due process, the presumption of innocence and the rule of law.
It says Fiji remains committed to working constructively with the United States and other international partners to combat transnational crime and unlawful activities.
Meanwhile, Fugang has categorically denied the allegations levelled against him.
Speaking through his lawyers, Fugang says the allegations against him are unsubstantiated.
He says before the statement was published, no one from the United States Embassy or the Department of State contacted him.
He adds he was not told of any allegation and was given no opportunity to respond.
Fugang says he has not been questioned by any Fijian authority about these matters, and no charge has been laid against him.
He says he has written to the United States Embassy in Suva to send him full particulars in relation to the allegations made against him.
Fugang says he respects the laws of Fiji and will cooperate fully with any lawful inquiry by the Fijian authorities.
We have sought comments from the U.S. Embassy
