Possible unexplained wealth as a result of bribery in Mr M’s capacity as an executive at a local statutory body - FIU

The Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit has provided a report to FICAC to examine the case for possible unexplained wealth as a result of bribery in Mr M’s capacity as an executive at a local statutory body.

The Unit’s analysis established that Mr M and his brother, Mr J who is employed in Country A received $45,870 in cash deposits from September 2016 to January 2020 into their joint bank account.

The sources of funds of these deposits could not be established.

In July 2014, Mr M and Mr J collectively acquired two properties in the Central Division.

They obtained further loans totalling more than $1 million to expand the properties.

The properties have eight rental flats in total and received rental income of $271,000 from September 2016 to January 2022. Mr M and Mr J were declaring a loss on their rental income from 2018 to 2020.

In November 2019, Mr M acquired a vehicle valued at $96,500 whereby he made payments of $29,000 from his bank account. However, financing of the remaining balance of $67,500 could not be traced to his bank account transactions.

Similarly, Mr M’s spouse, Mrs M, acquired a vehicle valued at $64,500 whereby she made payments of $46,090 from her bank account. However financing of the remaining balance of $18,410 could not be traced to her bank account transactions.

Mr and Mrs M, and their child frequently travelled to Country A and Country W from 2013 to 2018.

Further analysis established that Mr M’s transactions and accumulation of wealth were inconsistent with the annual income declared.

The Unit says the possible offences are bribery, tax evasion, unexplained wealth and corruption.