US Bans Fijian Citizen From Entering Country

The United States has banned Fijian citizen Zhao Fugang and his immediate family members from entering the country over allegations of significant corruption involving bribes allegedly paid to Fijians.

In a statement published by the US Embassy in Suva, the US State Department identified Zhao, Director of the Overseas Chinese Service Center in Fiji, as allegedly having abused his position to advance China-based government, business and criminal interests.

Zhao, a naturalised Fijian citizen, has previously been linked by Australian investigators to suspected transnational organised crime activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering and human trafficking. He has denied wrongdoing.

According to the US State Department, Zhao allegedly paid bribes to Fijian citizens, with the Department claiming his activities constituted significant corruption that adversely affected American interests in Fiji.

The Department did not identify the Fijians who allegedly received the bribes or disclose whether local authorities were investigating the matter.

The designation was made under Section 7031(c) of US law, which provides for entry restrictions against foreign officials implicated in significant corruption.