Journalist had permit to carry out interview
It is alleged that the secret intelligence gathered by agencies in Canberra alleges that Mr Zhao is the most influential member of a powerful organised crime network spanning the Pacific and posing a threat to Australia.
Australian journalist Nick McKenzie had entered Fiji on a business visitor permit; he can undertake business, study, research, consultancy, or work-related activities in Fiji.
The Department of Immigration yesterday confirmed that Mr McKenzie had received his business visitor visa on arrival.
Australia is one of the four countries not required prior approval of a business visitor permit.
The other three countries are New Zealand, Singapore and the United States of America.
Businessman and Yue Lai Hotel owner Fugang Zhao expressed his disappointment at the recent unsubstantiated allegations made against him by 60 Minutes Australia.
It alleged that the secret intelligence gathered by agencies in Canberra alleges that Mr Zhao is the most influential member of a powerful organised crime network spanning the Pacific and posing a threat to Australia.
Mr Zhao claimed that he did not get a courtesy call from Mr McKenzie or an opportunity to respond to the allegations and that the claims are not only defamatory but also a blatant disregard for journalistic ethics.
He said Mr McKenzie had trespassed on his private property and bombarded him with questions, which left him greatly confused and worried about his safety.
“Your reputation can take decades to build and only 60 minutes of false accusations to destroy. I’ve been in Fiji for many years; I don’t understand why I’m suddenly being targeted,” Mr Fugang said.
“We have already contacted the authorities, offered our full support. We are ready to cooperate with any investigation, if indeed there is one, and do whatever it takes to clear our name from these lies.”
Mr Zhao said it was upsetting to witness a news organisation from the Pacific’s largest purported democracy, Australia, abandoning the fundamental principle of innocence until proven guilty.
He claimed that Mr McKenzie had come to Fiji on visitor’s visa.
“This trial by the media is simply to garner viewership for a programme and disregards the devastating impact it has on the reputation and life of an innocent person,” he said.
“I urge all my friends and fellow citizens to take this news piece with a grain of salt and not let it mislead you into believing that I have done anything other than operate my business within the framework of the law.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed that they have received a report lodged against a journalist and the matter is now under investigation. No response was received from Mr McKenzie when this edition went to the press.