Still No Evidence Regarding Zhao Allegations

Almost a year after Australian media first made allegations against Fijian citizen Fugang Zhao, there is still no evidence or official comment from any law enforcement agency regarding his status or the serious claims surrounding him.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Interpol have both declined to provide any concrete information in response to questions about Zhao, despite multiple enquiries from Duavata News.

The businessman, who owns Yue Lai Hotel in Suva, has been accused by 60 Minutes and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) of leading a powerful organised crime syndicate operating across the Pacific. The reports claim Zhao poses a significant threat to Australia, with secret intelligence allegedly linking him to criminal activities.

However, despite the gravity of these accusations, no official statement has been made by the AFP or Interpol regarding Zhao's involvement in any criminal activities. This lack of clarity has left many questions unanswered.

Duavata News reached out to the AFP for a statement, initially receiving a promise of a response from Emma Napier, the AFP National Media Chief of Staff.

However, when the response arrived, it was a terse one-liner: "The AFP has no comment."

The reply, sent by Alex Malyon, Senior Media Officer at AFP National Media, provided no further insight into Zhao’s alleged status or any ongoing investigations.

International law enforcement bodies, including Interpol, have also refrained from providing information.

In a statement to Duavata News, Interpol's press office emphasised that information related to investigations or individuals remains under the control of the member country—and they cannot comment unless authorised.

We noted that Zhao is currently not on any local or international watchlist or wanted list.

Zhao, for his part, has repeatedly denied the allegations, calling them false and defamatory. He has also stated that he is willing to fully cooperate with any investigations in Fiji or Australia and is committed to clearing his name.

Fiji Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua has previously publicly stated that anyone with evidence regarding Zhao's involvement in illegal activities should come forward. However, thus far, no tangible proof has emerged to substantiate the claims.

Could this be a case of collateral damage caused by the geopolitical war currently underway between China and Australia, or is there something to these allegations?

Only time will tell.

Fugang Zhao and AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw