This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from a U4 Partner Agency. The U4 Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International in collaboration with the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre based at the Chr. Michelsen Institute.
Query
Please provide a summary of corruption and anti-corruption in the Pacific region (Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu). Please focus on political corruption and bribery cases involving politically exposed persons (PEPs), where possible.
Summary
Pacific island countries are diverse, each facing distinct corruption risks, with some jurisdictions exhibiting significantly higher levels of corruption and financial secrecy than others. Across the region, the sectors most vulnerable to corruption are extractive industries, fisheries and financial services. In recent years, numerous high-profile corruption cases involving politically exposed persons (PEPs) have emerged in several of these island states.
Contents
- Background
- Regional trends
- Sectors at risk of corruption in the region
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- References
Authors
Caitlin Maslen
Reviewers
Jamie Bergin and Losana Tuiraviravi (TI)
Rosa Loureiro-Revilla (U4)
Date
03/02/2026
Tags
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