FICAC probes departure of businessman linked to $20m tax case

The Immigration Department has come under scrutiny after a Chinese national, alleged to have defrauded the Government of more than $20 million in tax, left Fiji despite a stop departure order being in place.

Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto did not respond directly to questions on why the individual was allowed to leave the country while under investigation.

Instead, Mr Naupoto said: “The case of [the individual’s] departure is now being investigated by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). I cannot comment on it now.”

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the department’s internal governance and border management, amid ongoing issues relating to processing backlogs and allegations of unauthorised passport issuances.

The Chinese national owns and operates a well-known electronics business in Suva that specialises in the repair and sale of electronic devices.

Investigators believe the businessman evaded tax payments dating back to 2019.

Company records show the business is owned by three Chinese citizens, with the individual under investigation holding a 70 per cent shareholding.

The company was registered in Fiji in 2000 and has been the subject of numerous consumer complaints over its business practices.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that a report from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) had been referred to Police.

The businessman is alleged to have created false and fictitious invoices. He is also alleged to have falsified sales records and claimed fraudulent Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds.

Ms Naisoro confirmed that the investigation is being handled by the Anti-Money Laundering Division of the Criminal Investigations Department.

The Fiji Sun understands that FRCS has also lodged a report with FICAC regarding the individual's departure from Fiji.