EARLY this month, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eight key agencies of the newly-formed Tax Crimes Taskforce – an inter-agency collaboration to combat tax crimes and financial misconduct in the country.
This milestone is the result of a shared vision and months of collaboration between the agencies and key stakeholders in response to the growing need for a coordinated multi-agency approach to tackling tax crimes.
The Tax Crimes Taskforce was officially formed in December 2024 under the leadership of the FRCS, and on November 11 this year, it formalised its partnership with the eight key agencies whose roles are essential in this national effort.
Apart from FRCS, the key partner agencies include the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Ministry of Immigration, Fiji Police Force, Land Transport Authority (LTA), Ministry of Justice – Registrar of Titles Office and Registrar of Companies office, and the Office of the Solicitor General.
The Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are also part of the governance of the taskforce; and while they were unable to sign the MoU because of legal constraints, their involvement and support remain vital to the collective mission.
The Tax Crimes Taskforce
FRCS established the taskforce as a dedicated arm to combat serious tax crimes and strengthen tax integrity across Fiji.
It is focused on identifying high-risk taxpayers, investigate serious tax fraud and recommend legal and policy reforms to enhance Fiji’s fight against financial crimes.
Taskforce chairman Nitin Gandhi said they had adopted an evidence-based approach to ensure their actions were guided by data, facts, and sound investigative practices.
He said the work of the taskforce also related to the investigation of unexplained wealth.
To support this, the Government’s 2025-26 national budget introduced the Assess Declaration policy, which mandates annual asset declarations for sole proprietors.
“This measure enhances financial transparency and provides a critical tool for identifying discrepancies between declared income and actual wealth,” Mr Gandhi said.
In addition to its enforcement responsibilities, the taskforce is also empowered to recommend legislative reforms where necessary, ensuring that Fiji’s tax laws remain responsive, robust and aligned with emerging risks and international best practices.
The taskforce, according to Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel, who officiated at the MOU signings, is also guided by a clear and strategic policy framework, and its objectives include:
-Increasing surveillance and monitoring of financial crimes and tax evasion,
-Enhancing cross-border checks and enforcement mechanisms,
-Providing additional resources and capacity to the FRCS,
-Strengthening collaboration among agencies to improve information sharing and support successful prosecutions, and
-Ensuring the taskforce is well-represented by experienced professionals from across enforcement, regulatory and intelligence sectors.
Cases and legal tools
It has been revealed that several major cases have already been formally referred to FICAC for prosecution.
Mr Gandhi said one such case involved a complex VAT fraud scheme, and others concerned individuals falsely acting as tax agents and submitting fraudulent tax returns.
While he could not reveal any details on those cases given its sub judice and confidential nature, he said in some cases, particularly in the WET fraud and falsification of tax returns, they had found evidence of evasion.
“Tax evasion is illegal, and where we have seen evidence of that, then we have referred it to FICAC to deal with it,” Mr Gandhi told The Fiji Times.
“It goes to a stage where we’re not just going to collect tax, but we will ensure that the person faces the prosecution if need be.”
According to FRCS, the taskforce meets monthly to coordinate progress and ensure effective joint enforcement.
It said current investigations targeted undeclared income, false invoicing, shell companies, asset concealment, money laundering and other sophisticated evasion tactics.
Tools such as the Proceeds of Crime Act are being used to recover illicit gains and prosecute offenders.
In parallel, FRCS said it was working to strengthen legislative and institutional capacity, enhance detection through advanced data analytics, and expand compliance programs across all taxpayer segments.
Mr Gandhi said they would also use the whistleblower avenue to encourage confidential reporting and protect those who come forward in the interest of justice.
Renewed commitment
Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika said the signed MoU represented a renewed commitment by all the key partner agencies to protect the integrity of Fiji’s financial and governance systems.
She said from the first three-paged MoU document signed some 16 years ago to the updated MoU signed in Suva two weeks ago, the MOU has expanded its scope to reflect the world’s increasing technological advancement.
“This MoU brings our agencies closer together under a unified framework through improved information sharing, teamwork on investigations, and a commitment to greater accountability, helping us work even better together,” Ms Rokoika said at the signing.
“It highlights that corruption, tax evasion, and hidden wealth are interconnected issues.
“They often happen together and overcoming them calls for all of us to work together, combining law, intelligence and technology to make a real difference.”
Ms Rokoika said that was a boost for the country’s national integrity system.
“Together, we’re building a strong network of trust and accountability, helping every taxpayer, investor and citizen feel confident that public funds are safeguarded.
“As we sign this renewed MoU, let it serve as a reminder that teamwork is our greatest strength, and integrity our most lasting legacy.
“This agreement stands as both a shield – protecting what is right; and a sword – confronting what is wrong.”
What to expect moving forward
FRCS chief executive officer Udit Singh said the taskforce was about better coordination among all its key partner agencies.
He said all partner agencies were governed by some legislation – whether it’s the Crimes Act, LTA Act, Proceeds of Crime Act, Fraud Act and or tax legislation, and with that, the taskforce could approach any tax evasion case or crime from any of those angles.
He added the formalisation of the taskforce meant tax crimes investigations were shared among those partner agencies “to ensure we make maximum impact on better outcomes for Fiji”.
“A number of these agencies already have MoUs with us but we’re now seeking to bring other agencies in place to ensure we have a whole-of-government approach to this,” Mr Singh told The Fiji Times.
“This is indeed a great day for Fiji that we are moving together to create transparency and financial accountability in this space.”
In an interview, Mr Singh revealed they estimated Fiji’s shadow economy at between $800million to $1billion annually, potential revenue lost through illegal acts of tax evasion and other tax crimes.
He said they were closing in on those cases, and that agencies’ collaboration via the taskforce would make a dent in that black economy.
Mr Gandhi said to further strengthen their capabilities, they had initiated new recruitment efforts to expand and empower the taskforce.
He said they were building a team that was not only skilled but also deeply committed to the values of integrity, accountability and service.
“Beyond our domestic efforts, the taskforce has also engaged with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department, exploring opportunities for capacity building and technical assistance.”
He said those international partnerships would enhance their operational effectiveness and ensure alignment with global best practices.
He urged partner agencies to move forward with urgency, unity and resolve; and to ensure the agreement translated into real measurable outcomes.
In his speech, Minister Immanuel said the multi-agency approach reflected their understanding that no single institution could address those challenges in isolation.
“The complexity and transnational nature of financial crimes demand a coordinated response, one that leverages the strengths, expertise and intelligence of all relevant stakeholders,” the minister said.
“True progress is built not in silos but through shared purpose and collective action.
“This taskforce embodies that principle of bringing together Fiji’s financial integrity and ensure fairness in our tax system,” Mr Immanuel said.
For FRCS, the taskforce initiative, according to Mr Singh, would help recover lost revenue and also serve as a deterrent to future tax crimes; reinforcing public trust in the systems and sends a clear message that tax evasion and financial misconduct will not be tolerated.
