A fourth impersonator has been arrested by Fiji Police with the assistance of the Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS) this afternoon.

Navin Chaudhary, an ex-convict from Namadi Heights impersonated a Revenue & Customs Officer and tried to swindle a business for financial gains.

“The impersonator called Fiji Minimart this afternoon and told the company that they were going to be audited by Revenue & Customs. The impersonator further advised the staff that the audit can be cancelled if they pay him cash,” FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das said.

“I am glad that the targeted company called our officers and in collaboration with Fiji Police, we framed the impersonator in Caubati today,” Mr. Das said.

“We are calling for the public to take heed of individuals who are impersonating Revenue & Customs Service Officers, for the purpose of personal financial gain,” Mr. Das said.

Mr. Das said despite the recent arrests of previous impersonators, people continue to fool businesses.

“The previous impersonators appeared in court last week and are now in police custody,” he said.

Mr. Das strongly reiterates the consequences of impersonating FRCS Officers.

“Impersonating a Revenue & Customs Officer is an offence under the Crimes Act 2009 with a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment,” he said.

“Once again I acknowledge the partnership with the Police Commissioner’s Special Taskforce and the vigilant taxpayers who formally registered their complaints that has led to the capture of this fourth impersonator who is currently in Police custody,” he said.

“We are requesting members of the public to be vigilant and not engage in business over phone calls or reveal tax information before verifying the identity of the Revenue &

Customs officer. The public can also demand a Revenue & Customs officer to present his/her staff ID card or warrant card during an inspection and investigation,” he stressed.

“We also urge the public to frame such impersonators to deter cases,” he added.

The phone numbers to contact to report suspected impersonators, the numbers to call are Mr. Dakai on mobile number 9922275 or the office of the CEO on mobile number 9907740.

Photo Caption: Fourth Impersonator, Navin Chaudhary arrested in Caubati this afternoon.

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