The Fiji government confirmed that police are investigating incidents involving two crew members of Virgin Australia who were allegedly victims of rape and theft in Nadi in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
The crew members were in the popular tourist destination on a layover before they were scheduled to fly out the following day. Fiji’s Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, stated that the incidents occurred after the crew members exited a nightclub while trying to find their way back to the hotel.
Virgin Australia confirmed that it was aware of the alleged incidents and has sent personnel to Fiji to provide support, but did not offer further details in a statement.
According to Fiji police, the investigation revealed that the crew members had visited a nightclub in Nadi.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka, clarified that the two incidents involved separate allegations of theft and sexual assault, affecting two different Virgin crew members. He expressed regret over the incidents and confirmed that a suspect known to police for the alleged sexual assault had been questioned, with the investigation still ongoing.
Fiji is a popular tourist destination, having received 76,845 visitors in November, mostly from Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has acknowledged the reports but declined to comment further.
