The Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority said the right to privacy over tax affairs which the Interim Minister enjoys is not just an "apparent" right but a real one, enjoyed in common with all Fiji taxpayers.

In a press statement released Chief Executive Officer, Jitoko Tikolevu said simply for the Fiji Times to be in possession of documents referred to, delivered to it by those violating the secrecy laws under which FIRCA functions, is itself a serious criminal offence.

Tikolevu adds what the Fiji Times is lacking, and what it must continue to lack are the details of the examination of the documents, the clarifications and explanations put forward in regards to them, and full details of FIRCA's analysis of such clarifications and explanations.

He goes on to say having regard to FIRCA's complete examination of the case, “credible allegations" of the tax evasion are not established against the Minister.

Tikolevu said in light of the new developments, Former Chief Auditor Lepani Rabo and Joseva Leano are now being investigated for possible breaches of the secrecy provision under Section 4 of the Income Tax Act.

The FIRCA CEO said the Authority will not at any time tolerate employees, whether current or former, breaching their oath of secrecy.