PARLIAMENT has been urged to reform the Proceeds of Crime Act as its complex procedures delay the recovery of stolen or illicit assets.
Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) acting commissioner Lavi Rokoika told the parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence that under current laws, FICAC must obtain separate approvals from the Attorney-General’s Office before filing restraint or forfeiture applications in court.
“There’s too many moving parts, so to speak, in that legislation and if that could be streamlined so that the process is easy,” Ms Rokoika said.
“Whilst we’re doing all this, the person is running away with the money.
“So, simplify it so that it’s workable.”
She said simplifying the process would enable quicker action and prevent offenders from hiding assets.
“Other jurisdictions deal with it that way. It’s very simple and just all this administrative work.
“By the time everything is ready, the suspect is gone with all the money.”
She said Fiji had recorded several recent successes, including asset recoveries of $2.5million and $52,000 in separate corruption-related cases.
However, she said the number of forfeiture applications remained low due to procedural hurdles.
