The United States has publicly designated a Fiji resident over what it alleges was his involvement in significant corruption on behalf of China-based actors.
In a statement dated October 7, the US Department of State said the individual is the director of a center located in Fiji.
The Fiji Times has decided not to name the individual for legal reasons.
The designation means the individual and his immediate family members are generally ineligible to enter the United States.
The Department alleged the Fiji resident abused his public position by paying bribes to Fijian citizens to advance China-based government, business and criminal interests.
“His actions constituted significant corruption and adversely affected U.S. interests in Fiji,” the Department said.
It said the United States would continue holding accountable those who abused power for personal gain and would fight corruption that fuels drug trafficking, enables transnational criminal organisations and threatens US interests around the world.
The designation was made under Section 7031(c) of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act 2026.
Under the provision, the US Secretary of State can publicly or privately designate foreign officials and their immediate family members where there is credible information of involvement in significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights.
