The four members of the Tax Crimes Taskforce have been granted access to taxpayer information despite the law prohibiting it.
Taskforce chairman Nitin Gandhi said access was granted via formal delegation by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service CEO and under legally-binding memoranda of understanding (MOU).
Section 52 of the FRCS Act imposes strict confidentiality on taxpayer information sharing to a third party, and the Tax Administration Act Section 37 only allows FRCS officers to access taxpayer records for audits and investigations.
“Taskforce members who are not FRCS employees are not automatically authorised officers under TAA,” Mr Gandhi said.
“They require delegation by the CEO under FRCS Act Section 23, or Specific authorisation under MOUs, ensuring compliance with confidentiality laws.
“Access is lawful only if members act under CEO delegation and confidentiality agreements.”
The taskforce – comprising Mr Gandhi, former FRCS chief executive officerJitoko Tikolevu, anti-corruption expert Avaneesh Anand Raman, and financial risk specialist Pramesh Sharma – works with eight key agencies including FICAC and the Fiji Police.
Mr Gandhi said all taskforce members have signed confidentiality agreements and must operate under strict governance rules.
“These agreements require members to keep all sensitive information strictly confidential and prohibit disclosure to any person or entity unless expressly authorised by the CEO or the taskforce chair.”
FRCS also confirmed a formal MOU and operational framework—signed on 11 November 2025—set out the taskforce’s scope, responsibilities, access rights, and code of conduct.
Mr Gandhi said the structure ensured both effectiveness and legal compliance.
“We are committed to protecting taxpayer information while strengthening inter-agency collaboration to combat tax crime,” he added.
The taskforce continues to operate under the oversight of the FRCS board and CEO.
