Fiji police are currently investigating two separate incidents involving Virgin Australia crew members that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day, the government confirmed on Thursday, January 2.
The alleged incidents, which include a theft and a s*xual assault, took place in the nightclub district of Nadi, a city near Fiji’s main international airport, on Wednesday, January 1.
Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka addressed the situation, stating, “The alleged incidents are regrettable. There were two separate incidents, one involving theft and the other involving s*xual assault, each affecting different crew members.”
Authorities have already questioned a suspect, who is known to police, in connection with the alleged s*xual assault, and investigations into both incidents are ongoing. The crew members are currently staying at a hotel in Fiji used by Virgin Australia for layovers. They are expected to return home later this week after cooperating with the police investigation, Gavoka confirmed.
Virgin Australia has sent representatives to Fiji to offer support to the affected staff, while the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to release a statement on the matter.
Gavoka, who also serves as Fiji’s minister for tourism and civil aviation, acknowledged that such incidents can happen anywhere and emphasized that Fiji is not exempt. “We always remind tourists to be cautious in nightclub areas, particularly late at night,” he said. Tourism is a vital part of Fiji’s economy, with nearly a million visitors each year.
