Fiji’s former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho were publicly associated with Zhao Fugang, a China-born businessman and Communist Party representative, despite warnings about Zhao’s alleged ties to organized crime, according to a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
Confidential documents and police sources revealed that Zhao was identified in 2020 as the suspected leader of a local network involving convicted criminals linked to drug and sex trafficking. Despite this, Bainimarama and Qiliho attended public events with Zhao and conducted business dealings at his Yue Lai Hotel in Suva.
Zhao, who denies all allegations, has not been charged with any crimes. His lawyer, Nikheel Nambiar, stated, “Having lived in Fiji for over 20 years, Mr. Fugang has maintained a spotless record with the authorities.”
Bainimarama and Qiliho, both convicted earlier this year on unrelated charges, declined to comment.
Critics accuse Bainimarama’s government of overlooking a surge in drug trafficking during his tenure. Transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos warned, “The booming drug trade is eroding traditional power structures and creating criminal power structures.”
Fiji’s current government, led by Sitiveni Rabuka, has pledged to tackle drug trafficking and review policing ties with China. However, Zhao continues to maintain a prominent public presence, fostering relations between Fiji and Beijing.
The OCCRP is one of the largest investigative journalism organizations in the world.
Source: OCCRP
