Some of the border control officials working for the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA) are now actively under investigation for their alleged involvement in a major human trafficking scheme operating in Fiji.
Immigration Department officials yesterday identified the FIRCA officials who were logging into the immigration computers and entering data of Indian nationals who entered the country illegally.
The corrupt practice continued for some time as the Indian nationals remained in Fiji and the information continued to be logged in that they were going in and out of the country.
FIRCA Chief Executive Jitoko Tikolevu said they were unaware that their officers were involved and the discovery is shocking and alarming.
He said they are now awaiting the results of the police investigations.
Tikolevu said further action will definitely be taken by FIRCA.
As earlier highlighted by Fijivillage, the scheme which involved luring Indian nationals into Fiji for better jobs in return for thousands of dollars include a group in India, a company in Fiji and some officials.
So far there are 13 illegal Indian nationals in custody, 12 of these people were rounded up after raids at Laucala Beach, Nasole and other areas in Nasinu.
The 13th person surrendered herself to the police on Saturday.
Two people working for a local company are also being questioned.
The 13 illegal Indian nationals are now assisting the police, customs and immigration officials in catching everyone who is involved in this scam.
Officials have told us that there are definitely many more people who may have entered Fiji illegally and are still staying in the country.
Border control officials under investigation
Related Stories
We are committed to holding elections – Siromi Turaga
Questions were raised during Dialogue Fiji’s Constitution review discussion on whether the government can delay the general elections and complete the Constitution review however Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga
Fijian economy on track to grow for fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4%
The Fijian economy is on track to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4 percent, following a 3.5 percent expansion in 2024. The growth forecast is revised up marginally from the 3.2 percent projected
Heavy Rain Alert for Eastern Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and maritime areas
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu (Navua–Suva–Nausori to Serua–Namosi to Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra areas), southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau an
We need to dismantle criminal enterprises, hitting them where it hurts most - Speaker
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has highlighted during the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Conference that there is a need for prosecutors in the country to master the digital frontie
Fiji has learned from its past and we know that restricting media engagement or access is not the answer - Tabuya
At all times, the public interest in accessing information and the media’s role in scrutinising government must outweigh any unilateral power to silence or sideline a news outlet. In Fiji, we uphold the principle that
Wailea resident raises concerns about drug issues raised countless times with Police while COMPOL says official complaint must be lodged
Wailea Settlement Community leader, Inoke Utona says he has raised the issue of drug use and dealing in their area countless times with the authorities but there has still been no response from Police. However when