Criminal activities won’t take you anywhere
The Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS) is working round-the-clock to uncover dirty deals. So be warned. The most recent uncovered case was a group of highly connected network of individuals working within the country with intent to make money from proceeds of criminal activities.
This case involved an importer in the Western Division. The importer was recently investigated for allegedly smuggling four Hilux vehicles into the country from overseas.
These vehicles were imported between 2016 to 2019. These vehicles were either reported stolen or were written off overseas thus the importation of these vehicles are prohibited under the Customs laws.
The Revenue and Customs is also investigating two other suspected prohibited vehicle imports into the country.
What’s important to note from this case is the importance of working in partnership with other inter agencies.
FRCS is working closely with the Land Transport Authority to holistically crackdown on this illegal operation.
In this case also, FRCS sought assistance from various ministries, private sector companies, the Australian Federal Police and Customs and the New Zealand Police and NZ Customs to investigate this matter.
And just like that during the process of investigations, two FRCS staff were also implicated as colluding to facilitate this illegal import.
The service has terminated their employment contracts and is pursuing criminal prosecution.
So be warned if you are taking part in such activities, stop.
Taking part in criminal activities won’t take you any where.
Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj