Drug trade fuels Fiji money laundering threat

Fiji faces a high risk of money laundering driven by five major criminal threats.

The threats identified are narcotics-related offences, organised crime, taxation and customs crimes, environmental crimes, and bribery and corruption based on the National Risk Assessment.

This was highlighted by National Anti-Money Laundering Council chairperson Selina Kuruleca yesterday.

"This assessment gives law enforcement agencies and key institutions a stronger understanding of risks and a clear roadmap to identify serious criminal threats and weak spots in the system," Ms Kuruleca said.

"It helps them focus their resources on key priorities and put in place smart, risk-based policies."

Money laundering is when criminals disguise money made from illegal activities to make it appear legitimate.

According to the 2025 National Risk Assessment report, narcotics-related crime is a high and increasing threat.

Fiji's location makes it a key drug transit route from the Americas to Australia and New Zealand, spilling over into the local market.

Of the 25 sectors assessed, five were rated highly vulnerable — commercial banks, foreign exchange dealers, payment service providers, legal practitioners, and real estate agents.

In response, the National Policy on Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing has been updated.

The policy outlines strategies to prevent, detect, and disrupt money laundering, and confirms convictions carry penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $120,000 for individuals.

Fiji's terrorist financing and proliferation financing risks were both assessed as low.

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