The Government has reaffirmed its strong stance against financial crimes and tax evasion with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Tax Crimes Taskforce, a coordinated initiative bringing together key enforcement, regulatory, and legal agencies.
The signing ceremony, held at the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Training Room in Nasese, marks a significant milestone in strengthening Fiji’s financial integrity, compliance systems, and inter-agency collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Finance, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, said the MOU formalises the collaboration that has already been taking place throughout the year between the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FFIU), the Ministry of Immigration, the Fiji Police Force (FPF), the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Ministry of Justice through its Registrar of Titles and Registrar of Companies offices, the Office of the Solicitor-General, and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
“This initiative is a significant milestone in our national efforts to strengthen compliance, enhance transparency, and safeguard the integrity of Fiji’s financial and revenue systems,” Minister Immanuel said.
Chaired by Mr. Nitin Gandhi, the Taskforce will focus on strengthening surveillance and monitoring of financial crimes and tax evasion, improving information sharing between agencies, and supporting effective investigations and prosecutions.
“The Government remains passionately committed to ensuring that our institutions are equipped to detect, deter, and disrupt financial crimes, tax evasion, and other illicit activities that undermine our economy and public trust,” the Minister said.
He noted that the multi-agency framework reflects the Government’s recognition that tackling complex and often transnational financial crimes requires collective action and shared expertise.
“No single institution can address these challenges in isolation. The complexity of financial crimes demands a coordinated response — one that leverages the strengths, expertise, and intelligence of all relevant stakeholders,” he added.
Minister Immanuel also commended FRCS for its leadership in driving the initiative and thanked all participating agencies for their continued partnership.
“True progress is built not in silos, but through shared purpose and collective action. This Taskforce embodies that principle — protecting Fiji’s financial integrity and ensuring fairness in our tax system,” he said.
He concluded by urging all partners to remain proactive and united in their efforts.
“Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more resilient Fiji.”
The event was attended by Taskforce members, FRCS CEO Mr. Udit Singh, senior government officials, and representatives from the media.
