'Drug dealers are buying property to clean dirty money'

Drug dealers are using Fiji's property market to launder illicit money, prompting a warning for homeowners and landowners to be cautious of buyers who appear overly eager to complete a sale.

Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) chairperson and chief executive officer Ilimotama Cawi said the real estate sector had become a target for criminals seeking to legitimise proceeds from the drug trade.

"Holistically, in Fiji, we are going through a drug problem. In the drug problem, they need to clean the dirty money.

"In cleaning the dirty money, they will be buying real estate assets. House, land, and all those types of things," Mr Cawi said yesterday.

"That's the only place they'll wash the dirty money. So, my advice to members of the public, those who are selling their houses, please, do not jump [on the offer].

"And when you're given that opportunity, someone is purchasing through, because they could be cleaning their dirty money."

Mr Cawi said the Board recognised the risk and was working closely with the Fiji Police Force.

"It's an issue that normally arises in the real estate market. The drug dealer out there will try to clean the dirty money.

"One of the easiest ways is to clean it through the purchasing of these assets," he said.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the Criminal Investigations Department's Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Unit investigated alleged money laundering, unexplained wealth and tainted property cases.

She said forfeiture applications were pursued through the courts with the assistance of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Ms Naisoro said Police also worked with the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit by sharing information on suspicious transactions.

"Our advice would be for members of the public to be careful on whom they are dealing with," Ms Naisoro said.

"Secondly, they should also be cautious with the mode of exchange used, especially if the exchange is by cash only. They will not want to leave behind traces."