Fiji News

A man has been charged with the alleged rape and sexual assault of a Virgin Australia crew member in Fiji, which reportedly occurred on New Year’s Day. The incident took place in Nadi, a popular tourist destination on the western side of Viti Levu, while the crew members were celebrating New Year’s Eve. Acting police commissioner Juki Fong Chew confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Two incidents were reported, with one involving robbery alongside the alleged sexual assault. Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Viliame R Gavoka expressed regret over the incidents and extended thoughts and concerns for the victims' health and wellbeing. Local community leader Hosanna Kabakoro stated that the local population feels sympathy for the victims, highlighting the impact of such events in a nation reliant on tourism, which constitutes about 40% of Fiji's GDP. Virgin Australia has dispatched support staff to assist the crew amid the ongoing investigation. The affected crew members were expected to return home by the end of the week.

The Fijian police are investigating allegations of rape and theft involving two crew members from Virgin Australia Airlines. The incidents reportedly occurred early on New Year’s Day after the crew had left a nightclub in Nadi. Fiji's Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, confirmed that the two crew members were victims of separate incidents while attempting to return to their hotel. Virgin Australia acknowledged the situation and has dispatched personnel to provide assistance to the affected crew members, though they did not offer additional specifics. Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, expressed regret over the events and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. A suspect has already been questioned by authorities regarding the alleged sexual assault. Fiji is a well-known tourist destination, receiving a significant number of visitors from Australia, New Zealand, and North America, with nearly 77,000 arrivals in November alone, according to the country's tourism data.