Virgin Australia crewmembers allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed in Fiji
Police are investigating allegations of theft and sexual assault against two Virgin Australia crew members in the early hours of New Year’s Day, the Fiji government said on Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said the alleged attack occurred on Wednesday in the nightclub district of Nadi, home to the international airport.
“The alleged incident is regrettable,” Gavoca said in a statement. statement.
“There were two separate alleged incidents, one suspected of theft and one suspected of sexual assault, affecting two different crew members,” he said.
“A suspect known to police in connection with the sexual assault has been interviewed. Investigations continue.”
The minister said the crew were currently at a layover at a local hotel used by the airline and would return home this week after helping police investigations.
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Virgin Australia has sent representatives to Fiji to provide support to affected employees.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Reuters it was aware of the reports but declined to comment further.
Gavoca, who is also the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, said such attacks could happen anywhere and Fiji was not “immune”.
“As always we remind visitors to be careful in nightclub areas and late at night,” he said.
Latest crime statistics Released by Fiji Police Figures for November show crime rates rose 6% in October compared with the same period last year.
Fiji relies heavily on tourism, receiving nearly one million tourists every year.
Last month, seven foreign tourists, including an American Hospitalized in Fiji After a cocktail at the resort bar. However, authorities later said the tourists Not poisoned by alcohol Officials said after toxicology reports it may have been illegal drugs.
