1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he would consider investigating the business ties between a convicted drug and sex trafficker and a member of his Cabinet, as reported this week by OCCRP, if the matter is formally brought under his attention is brought.
The two individuals, Ifereimi Vasu, Fiji’s Minister of iTaukei (Indigenous) Affairs, and Jason Zhong, have been co-owners of a farming business since 2017. According to police sources quoted by OCCRPZhong is suspected of involvement in a local organized crime network.
Zhong was profiled in a 2020 police briefing document obtained by OCCRP, in which he was identified under aliases as “Ice Man” and “Triad Boss.” Officers, who spoke anonymously out of fear for their safety, said the document was used in briefings to then Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on the suspected criminal group.
Rabuka told the Fiji Times that he would consider investigating the matter if it were formally raised, but added that he would speak to Vasu first. Neither Zhong nor Vasu have been charged with any crime related to these allegations, and there is no evidence that their farming business is involved in illegal activities.
In July 2023, Rabuka defended Vasu when opposition lawmakers questioned the connection between the two men, stating that “the business partner of the Honorable Vasu has served his time” and that Vasu met the constitutional requirements for public office. Rabuka also emphasized that Vasu adheres to the legislation on asset declaration.
Zhong was previously convicted in 2005 of operating a meth lab in Suva, which at the time resulted in the largest drug bust in Fiji’s history. In 2012, he was imprisoned again for sex trafficking Thai women. Zhong is now facing charges by Fiji’s Anti-Corruption Commission, FICAC, for allegedly bribing officials of the iTaukei Land Trust Board, which Vasu chairs.
The two registered their joint company, Qera Mai Lagi PTE Limited, in 2017. The company operates agricultural lands on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. Neither Vasu nor Zhong responded to OCCRP’s requests for comment.
1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…