The United States Embassy says the US Department of State has credible information that Yue Lai Hotel owner, Zhao Fugang allegedly provided bribes to advance China-based government, business and criminal interests for his personal benefit, while harming Fijian and US interests.
While responding to fijivillage News, the Embassy says the information on Fugang’s alleged corrupt acts comes from a detailed analysis of various sources.
However, they say they are unable to share the underlying information.
The Embassy is yet to respond to questions on whether it has shared credible evidence with the Fiji Government regarding Fugang’s alleged involvement in significant corruption on behalf of China-based actors.
Following the release of the notice, the Fiji Government encouraged US authorities to share credible information or evidence of alleged offences committed in Fiji with their Fijian counterparts for assessment and investigation, where warranted.
The US State 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 US interests in Fiji.
The Fiji Government has previously emphasised that any allegations of unlawful conduct within Fiji must be addressed through the appropriate Fijian legal and law enforcement processes.
Fugang has denied the allegations, describing them as unsubstantiated.
He has also maintained that he respects the laws of Fiji and will cooperate fully with any lawful inquiry by Fijian authorities.
