Follow the money trail - AG

Follow the money trail.

That is the message from Attorney General Graham Leung while opening the PILON Asset Seizure and Confiscation Workshop at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi this morning.

He says the illicit movement of funds across jurisdictions undermines the economic stability of our nation, weakens governance, and diverts much-needed resources from vital public services such as health, education, and infrastructure.

Leung says small island developing states (SIDS) are particularly susceptible to transnational crimes, drug and human trafficking, cybercrime, and financial fraud.

He says due to our geographic isolation, limited law enforcement resources, and open economies that rely on international trade and financial transactions, criminal networks often see the Pacific as an attractive route for illicit activities.

Leung says when corruption is rampant; when organized crime syndicates exploit weaknesses in our legal systems, they erode public trust, discourage investment, and ultimately hinder sustainable development.

The AG says the ever-evolving nature of financial crime allows criminals to take advantage of gaps in our legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, laundering illicit wealth through real estate, shell companies, and even local businesses.

He adds without effective and robust detection and enforcement measures, these crimes can infiltrate our economies, making it even harder to maintain financial integrity and stability.

He says the role of asset seizure and confiscation in combatting financial crime is one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement agencies in the fight against transnational crime.

Leung says by targeting the financial incentives of criminals, they disrupt their operations and prevent illicit profits from being reinvested into further unlawful activities.

He adds that crime should not pay.

The AG says traditional law enforcement approaches alone are no longer sufficient, and they must follow the money trail.

He says if criminals cannot enjoy their profits, they undermine their incentives and weaken criminal enterprises.

He also says, however, for asset confiscation measures to be effective, legal professionals and law enforcement officers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to trace, freeze, and recover criminal assets.

He adds this workshop offers an opportunity to strengthen technical capacity and expertise.

The AG says from this workshop participants will gain practical insights into investigating and identifying criminal assets —following the money trail to ensure criminals do not benefit from illicit activities, prosecuting asset recovery cases — understanding legal strategies to secure court orders, judicial perspectives on confiscation — ensuring fair and effective asset forfeiture processes, managing and repurposing seized assets — so that recovered funds benefit society rather than returning to criminal hands, enhancing regional and international cooperation —strengthening collaboration with foreign jurisdictions to tackle transnational financial crime and exploring law reform opportunities — ensuring our legal frameworks keep pace with evolving criminal tactics.

The AG says combating financial crime requires swift and decisive action, and Police investigators and prosecutors must act quickly to curb the proliferation of corrupt acts, ensuring that no one benefits from ill-gotten gains.

He adds this workshop is an opportunity to sharpen those skills, build networks, and strengthen the resilience of our legal institutions.