Kaya Selby
RNZ Pacific journalist
The United States has
designated a prominent Chinese businessman in Fiji for
“significant corruption” on behalf of China-based
actors.
Zhao Fugang, owner of the Yue Lai Hotel in
Suva and the Overseas Chinese Service Center located within
it, is believed by global intelligence services to be a
senior member of a syndicate involved in drug smuggling,
money laundering, and human trafficking, according to the
Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project
(OCCRP).
In a statement on Wednesday (Thursday NZ
time), the US State Department said Zhao actively pays
bribes to Fijian citizens to “advance China-based
government, business, and criminal interests”.
“His
actions constituted significant corruption and adversely
affected US interests in Fiji,” the statement
read.
The designation renders Zhao and his immediate
family ineligible for entry into the US.
In a
statement from his lawyers to RNZ Pacific, he denied all
allegations against him.
“Mr Zhao has written to the
[US State] Department earlier today for further and better
particulars in relation to the allegations,” his lawyer said
in and email.
“The allegations are unsubstantiated
without any supporting evidence.”
An
OCCRP investigation in 2024 revealed that the hotelier
has been in the crosshairs of Australian and other Western
intelligence agencies since mid-2023.
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A prominent
figure in Fiji’s social scene, often seen at Chinese
cultural and celebratory events alongside key government
figures – both during the Bainimarama era and under the
current administration. His business interests are known
stretch from tourism to property development.
In
relation to alleged organised crime connections, Zhao said
he has never been interviewed or questioned, and “maintains
a clean criminal record as far as are aware in
Fiji”.
RNZ Pacific has also requested comments from
the Chinese Embassy in Fiji and the Chinese Association of
Fiji.
Meanwhile, other
US corruption designations in the Pacific this year
included Palauan politicians Hokkons Baules – also for
alleged links to China – and Anderson
Jibas.
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