Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (29 October 2017): Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu

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These updates are provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Anti-Corruption Project for Southeast Asia, and the joint UNODC - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, with support of the Australian Government.
 
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FIJI:
Shocking statistics released by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.  Chief Executive Officer Visvanath Das says while 341,251 wage and salary earners in the country are paying their income taxes as required because their taxes are deducted at source by the employers, many companies and businesses are not doing the same.
Loopholes discovered in Nadi's financial operations.  It's been revealed that more than five million dollars in income were not reconciled by the Council a few years ago.
Permanent secretary suspended.  Ministry of Forests permanent secretary Samuela Lagataki has been suspended after the pending outcome of an ongoing investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
SOLOMON ISLANDS:
Anti-corruption bill to Parliament 'possibly' this week.  Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the anti-corruption bill is on the way
TONGA:
Police warn tourists to be wary of online scam.  A 37-year-old Palangi woman from New Zealand residing in Neiafu, Vava'u, allegedly obtained $9,720 from nine tourists as payment for whale watching activity, which was not booked when they arrived in September. 
VANUATU:
Former PM on parole.  Former Vanuatu Prime Minister, Moana Carcasses, is expected to be released from the Correctional Centre on parole.
To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact the team members:
Maria Adomeit, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, maria.adomeit@unodc.org
Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org
Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

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