Police heighten surveillance on KVT syndicate amid deportation concerns

The Fiji Police Force has heightened surveillance on members of the notorious KVT criminal syndicate amid concerns some could return back return to Fiji.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed that operational measures are in place to track Fijian nationals linked to the gang.

“Our radar is on to these people,” Commissioner Tudravu said.

“Fijians who are brought, engaged in illicit drugs, or if they are deported back involved in illicit drugs abroad, or deported back. We have measures in place.”

The KVT syndicate, comprising Fijian nationals based in Sydney, Australia, has been connected to major drug operations across Australia and the Pacific.

The syndicate grew from young Fijian men in Sydne seeking protection and belonging, who later became involved in drugs, firearms, and violent crime.

In October, two KVT members were arrested in Western Sydney for attempting to import cocaine worth $93 million.

The gang first gained international attention when nine individuals were sentenced over the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi in January last year.

Mr Tudravu said police are working closely with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to monitor gang movements.

He described the issue as “non-operational,” indicating established procedures are already in effect.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett declined to discuss specific criminal groups but confirmed the AFP conducts extensive work to understand which networks are targeting Australia, Fiji, and the broader Pacific.

Commissioner Barrett acknowledged that transnational crime is impacting the entire Pacific region.
“It’s not just a problem for Australia. It’s not just a problem for Fiji. It’s a problem for the whole Pacific,” she said.

Ms Barrett said law enforcement agencies are sharing intelligence and capabilities to combat criminal networks operating across borders.
“We are stronger when we work together, and we work collectively to combat these threats,” she said.

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