34 complaints received and assessed by FICAC last month, 13 to be investigated

FICAC, through its Legal and Prosecution Department, received and assessed 34 complaints from the 1st to the 30 of April 2025.

FICAC says of these, 21 were determined to be non-corruption-related and were subsequently referred to the appropriate authorities for further action.

They say 13 complaints were recommended for either preliminary or full investigations.

It says during the same period last year, FICAC received 91 complaints.

FICAC says following assessment, 51 of these were deemed corruption-related and recommended for either preliminary or full investigation, while 40 were classified as non-corruption matters and referred accordingly.

FICAC did not initiate any legal proceedings in March 2025.

It says 7 cases were disposed of from the courts for the reporting period, including the FICAC vs Inosi Tauvoli case, Mohammed Zakariyya and William Pawa Tuiono, FICAC vs Maciu Vakatawa Gaunatalei and William Pawa Tuiono, FICAC vs Prem Wati and William Pawa Tuiono, FICAC vs Jonasa Delai, FICAC vs Benjamin Padarath, and FICAC vs Nilesh Lal case.

FICAC also appeared as the respondent in two appellate matters, including the Nikolau Nawaikula vs FICAC and Shalendra Kumar vs FICAC cases.

30 days have been given to appeal to the Court of Appeal.

In addition to its reactive functions, FICAC remains deeply committed to fulfilling its mandate through proactive measures.

The Commission says they place a strong emphasis on anti-corruption awareness and education, ensuring that these preventive efforts are effectively implemented to foster a culture of integrity across all levels of society.

The Proactive arm of FICAC, the Corruption Prevention Department, conducted 32 awareness sessions, 2 workshops and 2 surveys to 525 participants for the reporting period.

FICAC encourages all members of the public to report any corruption-related complaints by calling our toll-free number 1322 or emailing us at info@ficac.org.fj.