Fiji’s fight against money laundering and financial crime will face an important test as the country prepares for its 2026 Mutual Evaluation next month.

Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga told Parliament that about $11 million in assets are currently involved in active forfeiture cases, with most linked to drug-related offences.

One recent case involves almost $9 million worth of properties.

Turaga says ¤the upcoming assessment will look at how effectively Fiji uses financial intelligence, investigates suspected crimes, prosecutes offenders and confiscates assets linked to crime.

“This evaluation represents an important milestone for our nation. It provides Fiji with the opportunity to demonstrate the progress we have made in strengthening our national framework since our last assessment in 2015, while also helping us identify areas where further improvements may be required.”

Turaga says Fiji has strengthened cooperation between Police, FICAC, the Financial Intelligence Unit, FRCS, the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the DPP.

“The focus will be on outcomes, including how agencies work together, how financial intelligence is used, how investigations and prosecutions are undertaken, how assets linked to criminal activity are restrained and confiscated how risks are identified and addressed across financial and non-financial sectors.”

Opposition MP Premila Kumar raised concerns about whether financial intelligence is being turned into timely action.

“Minister has mentioned those three enforcement agencies, which is FICAC, Fiji Police, and FRCS. But when you go deeper into the analysis of FFIU, you can automatically see where the gaps are. It’s crystal clear.We don’t need anyone from overseas to come and tell us, but it’s good they’re coming, because at least an international perspective will be there, and hopefully that is taken on board.”

The Mutual Evaluation will provide an important measure of whether Fiji’s efforts to combat money laundering and financial crime are producing tangible results.