Fiji: Financial intelligence identified as gap in counter-drug effort

Around 12 August, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, Meli Sateki, identified intelligence gaps affecting the Police Force's ability to track money linked to organised crime. According to Sateki, the gaps include the Police Force's lack of a central hub for receiving and tracking Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) reports, limited information in some reports, and delayed feedback from the FIU. Sateki stated that the gaps have made investigations, follow-up, and case monitoring difficult. The Police Force signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the FIU for direct access to its database in September 2014. Separately, Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua announced that the Police Force is boosting surveillance with 230 CCTV cameras planned for 50 sites along the Suva–Nausori corridor, with future installations expected in Nadi and Lautoka, adding to 97 cameras already operational in Suva, and the recent instalment of a CCTV boost and a multipurpose security facility at Nadi International Airport.

Assessment: Over the last 18–24 months, the Fiji Government has been attempting to better coordinate an all-of-government approach to counter drug trafficking within and through the country. In January, leading roles were split between the police for land-based operations and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) in the maritime domain — an acknowledgement that the capability to maintain awareness across Fiji's large territorial waters was a significant vulnerability (see SPI 38, 31 December 2025–13 January 2026). With the establishment of the Police–RFMF Joint Task Force in April, the Police Commissioner, Police Minister, and Commander RFMF continue to be the key senior leaders in counter-drug efforts. However, gaps continue to be identified, including digital forensics, misinformation, border and passenger arrivals, and outdated police legislation. Measures have been taken to improve these as they emerge; however, the FIU poses a different issue as it does not sit within the responsibility of the Police Commissioner or Police Minister, instead coming under the Minister for Justice. It is likely that financial intelligence will continue to be a gap in Fiji's counter-drug efforts until ministerial-level agreement occurs on priorities and processes, likely through an official memorandum of understanding and routine working-level interaction.

Sources: Litia Cava, “Police struggle to track crime money,” FBC, 12 August 2026; “2016 Annual Report Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit,” FIU, 2016; Mosese Raqio, “Police CCTV network expands nationwide,” FBC, 19 August 2026; Josefa Sigavolavola, “Australia strengthens ties with Fiji Police Force,”  FBC, 24 October 2025: Mollyn Nakabea, “Fiji’s border security receives CCTV boost,” FBC, 16 August  2026.