Whistleblower alleges nepotism, misconduct at FICAC

A complaint has been lodged with the Judicial Services Commission and the Commissioner of Police alleging nepotism, abuse of office, and constitutional breaches within the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

The complaint, dated February 17, 2026, targets the acting Commissioner of FICAC, Laviana Rokoika, and outlines what the whistleblower describes as “a pattern of conduct” that undermines the integrity of the institution responsible for combating corruption in Fiji.

At the centre of the complaint is the alleged hiring of Ulamila Vakalalabure as a Junior State Counsel at FICAC.

Ms Vakalalabure is the daughter of Gilbert Vakalalabure, chief executive officer of the Fiji Sports Council, who was recently cleared of all corruption charges by his sister‑in‑law, Ms Rokoika.

The whistleblower claims that the timing of the hiring creates, at minimum, a serious conflict of interest.

Sources close to the appointment told this masthead that the acting commissioner is not involved in the recruitment process.

“She was not involved in recruitment. She met all the criteria of the recruitment process, and proper procedures were followed,” the source said.

Addressing questions about the closure of Mr Vakalalabure’s investigation file, the source said the matter was explained in a letter to the Minister for Sports, Jese Saukuru, which was widely circulated on social media.

“The letter itself is self‑explanatory,” the source added.

The complaint also raises concerns about potential breaches of confidentiality.
According to the report, the acting commissioner’s husband, Tevita Vakalalabure, spends extended periods inside Ms Rokoika’s private office, prompting suspicions that he may have had access to sensitive commission files.

No documentary evidence of unauthorised access was attached to the complaint, but the whistleblower described “strong suspicion among staff” regarding the handling of confidential material.

Beyond the specific allegations, the complaint paints a broader picture of what it describes as a “culture of fear and intimidation” within FICAC.

It claims that the mass confiscation of mobile devices created an environment of “forced compliance,” where employees feel their personal communications and private lives are subject to scrutiny if they report irregularities.

“When the very agency tasked with investigating corruption begins to operate through intimidation and the suppression of constitutional rights,” the whistleblower writes, “the integrity of the entire justice system is at risk.”

Questions sent to the JSC and Tevita Vakalalabure remain unanswered.