Fiji police investigate alleged sexual assault and theft involving Australian flight crew

Fiji police are investigating an alleged theft and sexual assault involving Virgin Australia crew members after a night out in Nadi.

The incident occurred after the crew landed at Nadi International Airport on New Year’s Eve.

Fiji's Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew, told local media on Wednesday that an investigation has been launched into the situation.

It is unclear if any arrests have been made, but Chew said the suspects are “believed to be local residents”.

“Police are investigating the case involving the Australian airline crew, who reported theft and allegations of sexual assault after a night of clubbing,” Chew said.

He said three Virgin crew members had been confined to their hotel in Fiji as a precaution following the alleged incident.

The crew members were separated and restricted from their rooms during the investigation.

Australian media reports suggest that a Virgin management team has been flown to Fiji to investigate the matter, and family members of the crew involved are also making their way to support them.

A spokesperson for Virgin Australia told journalists that the airline was aware of the incident but could not reveal any further details.

Photo/Virgin Australia

The spokesperson said the airline’s primary concern is the welfare of the crew members.

Virgin has arranged for a replacement crew to manage the return flight to Australia while airline officials conduct their investigation in Fiji.

Chew said police are committed and will ensure Fijians and visitors are safe in the country this festive season.

Chew's comments also follow a running brawl last weekend in Suva: Six people were hospitalised, two in serious condition, from the assaults in the capital, some 3.5 hours drive from Nadi.

Police said the brawl involved members of a rugby league team from Sigatoka, who were in Suva for their annual awards celebrations, and a group of nightclub security officers.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu said one of the bouncers is in police custody, while more people are expected to be taken in for questioning.

Australians have been advised to exercise caution in Fiji. Photo/Tourism Fiji

Meanwhile, Australians have been urged to exercise standard safety precautions in Fiji.

In its travel advisory updated on New Year's Day, the Australian government said crime in Fiji included robbery, theft, violent assault, sexual assault and home invasions.

"Most crime is opportunistic," the advisory stated. "The highest risk is in urban areas and at night. Be careful in downtown Suva after dark.

"Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don't leave food or drinks unattended; pay attention when your drinks are mixed.

"Get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking. See our advice on Partying safely while overseas.

"Credit card fraud and ATM card-skimming occur. Protect your PIN and be alert when using ATMs. Regularly check your card and bank statements for fraud."

Fiji journalist Shayal Devi speaks with PMN News senior reporter Christine Rovoi about the suspected alcohol poisoning.

Two weeks ago, seven tourists, four of them Australians, were hospitalised in Fiji after suspected alcohol poisoning at a resort in Sigatoka, less than two hours drive from Nadi.

A Fiji police investigation is underway. Warwick hotel management has denied any wrongdoing, saying the cocktails the guests drank did not contain "substituting ingredients".

An initial police toxicology report into the drinks consumed at the Warwick found no traces of methanol.

But the Fiji government told a media conference it is yet to disclose the toxicology results of the samples taken from the patients allegedly poisoned.

The seven tourists have since been discharged from hospital and returned home.