The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for its Tax Crimes Taskforce with eight key partner agencies in Suva yesterday in a collaborative move to strengthen compliance and transparency to safeguard the integrity of Fiji’s financial and revenue systems.
The Tax Crimes Taskforce was officially formed in December last year – under the leadership of FRCS – in response to the growing need for a coordinated multi-agency approach to tackling tax crime and financial misconduct in the country.
The signing of the MoU formalises the partnership between FRCS and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FFIU), 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 Prosecution (DPP) are also part of the governance of the taskforce but are unable to sign the MoU because of legal constraints.
The taskforce is focused on identifying high-risk taxpayers, investigating serious tax fraud, and recommending legal and policy reforms to enhance Fiji’s fight against financial crime.
“We have adopted an evidence-based approach to ensure that our actions are guided by data, facts and sound investigative practices,” Taskforce chairperson Nitin Gandhi said.
“The taskforce also utilises the whistleblower avenue to encourage confidential reporting and protect those who come forward in the interest of justice.
“To further strengthen our capabilities, we have initiated new recruitment efforts to expand and empower the taskforce. We are building a team that is not only skilled but also deeply committed to the values of integrity, accountability and service.”
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel said the Government remained passionately committed to ensuring local institutions were equipped to detect, deter and disrupt financial crimes, tax evasion and other illicit activities that undermined the economy and public trust.
“This multi-agency approach reflects our understanding that no single institution can address these challenges in isolation,” Mr Immanuel said.
“The complexity and transnational nature of financial crimes demand a coordinated response, one that leverages the strengths, expertise and intelligence of all relevant stakeholders.”
