Increased police funding to target crime in red zone areas – Prof. Prasad

The increased funding for the Fiji Police Force will allow officers to target crime in red zone areas such as Suva, Nadi and Lautoka, especially regarding rising incidents of muggings and other petty crimes.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says the government has allocated $240.3 million to the Force, aimed at strengthening security and enhancing police visibility across the country.

He says as part of this initiative, the number of officers will increase by 1,000, taking the total police strength to 6,550 for the first time, which is expected to result in more visibility and foot patrols.

Professor Prasad says that $40 million has been committed as part of the first phase of $19 million package, which will immediately bring in 800 to 900 additional officers, including the filling of current vacancies.

When asked about the measures in place to prevent drug dealers from using mobile money wallets for money laundering activities, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that all business transactions must be linked to a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Professor Prasad says this allows the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and relevant monitoring agencies to track and ensure that all transactions are legitimate.

He adds that requiring a TIN helps prevent the misuse of M-PAiSA mobile wallets for money laundering or the movement of drug money. This measure also ensures the government does not lose out on revenue and strengthens oversight of financial transactions.

You can watch the full Straight Talk video on our website fijivillage.