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.
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.
