New SFO Framework to Support Pacific Partners in Tackling Fraud and Corruption
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched a Pacific Engagement Framework, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Pacific Island countries in their efforts to combat fraud and corruption.
The framework focuses on prevention, investigation, and prosecution, and aligns with New Zealand’s international and regional obligations – including the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the Teieniwa Vision.
SFO Deputy Chief Executive, Strategy and Prevention, Dan Eaton, emphasised the importance of working in partnership to strengthen resilience across the region.
“We are a Pacific Island country, and our wellbeing and prosperity are connected to the resilience of our close neighbours. By working together, we can deter criminals who threaten the stability and economic wellbeing of the Blue Pacific Continent.”
“Our Pacific Engagement Framework offers a clear, strategic approach to supporting our partners while maintaining focus on our responsibilities in New Zealand. It also complements the SFO’s current public awareness campaign, which is focused on tackling foreign bribery and raising awareness of the risks and obligations faced by New Zealand businesses operating overseas.”
The framework identifies five key considerations to guide the SFO’s regional engagement and ensure efforts are effective and sustainable:
- Aligning initiatives with the SFO’s core mandate to prevent, investigate, and prosecute serious fraud and corruption.
- Prioritising strategic efforts that strengthen regional partnerships and future-proof capability.
- Supporting collaboration that meets New Zealand’s international obligations.
- Applying cost-benefit analysis to maximise impact and reduce risk.
- Ensuring coordination with Pacific nations, New Zealand agencies, and international development partners.
This initiative builds on the SFO’s existing work in the region. A recent example of this was a series of training workshops delivered by SFO staff for the Kiribati Public Service Office (PSO) focusing on anti-corruption and investigation processes.
Through this framework and partnerships with organisations such as Te Whare Pasifika – Public Service Fale and the Office of the Auditor-General, the SFO is committed to fostering a unified, region-wide response to serious fraud and corruption.
By strengthening transparency, accountability, and governance, the Pacific Engagement Framework aims to support a more stable and prosperous region.
More information
- SFO Pacific Approach
- Foreign Bribery Reporting Platform(external link)
- SFO supporting anti-corruption efforts in the pacific(external link) (Media release, June 2024)
- Teieniwa Vision(external link)
About the SFO
The SFO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious or complex fraud, including bribery, and corruption in New Zealand. With a focus on maintaining integrity and trust in the financial system, the SFO has developed strategic areas of focus to ensure it has the greatest impact with the cases it takes in. These are reviewed and updated every 12-18 months.