ACTING Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Lavi Rokoika has reiterated that FICAC’S mandate is to prevent, investigate, and, where appropriate, prosecute corruption, while strengthening integrity systems and public confidence in the rule of law.
In a media conference yesterday, Ms Rokoika said in carrying out this mandate, the commission was required by law to act independently and on the basis of evidence.
“Decisions are made through established legal and operational processes, not on the basis of personalities, political considerations, or external pressure,” she said.
“To safeguard independence, the commission operates under structured disclosure and recusal mechanisms.
“Where any matter could reasonably give rise to a perception of conflict of interest, the appropriate disclosure is made, and the decision-making process proceeds without that person’s involvement.”
These, she said ensures impartiality and public confidence.
“Since June 2025, the commission has focused on strengthening its foundations.
“This has included improving internal systems, ensuring that investigations and prosecutions meet the legal standards required by law, and implementing the commission’s improved strategic plan.”
FICAC closes 168 cases, refers seven to police
BETWEEN June and December 2025, Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has received 108 complaints, of which 81 have been assessed.
FICAC’s Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika said in the Central and Eastern divisions, investigative teams closed 168 cases and referred seven matters to the police.
This she said included the clearance of long-standing files dating back to 2007.
“In the Western Division, 14 new files were opened and 43 files were closed while in the Northern Division, 11 new files were opened and 13 files were closed,” she said.
“Today, the commission has 268 active investigation files, with 104 pending in the Western and Northern divisions and 164 in the Central and Eastern divisions.
“The Legal Division currently has 172 matters pending in Court, with the oldest file being a 2013 matter.”
Since assuming office, Ms Rokoika said 14 charges have been filed, reflecting the commission’s focus on proceeding only where there is sufficient admissible evidence to meet prosecutorial standards.
“Not every complaint becomes an investigation, and not every investigation results in prosecution.
“This is not inaction; it is the proper and lawful application of evidentiary thresholds and prosecutorial discretion.”
