Fiji’s secret crime spree is revealed – as police make major breakthrough after Virgin Australia crew were allegedly raped and robbed
Fijian police are questioning a key suspect over the alleged rape and theft of Virgin Australia airline staff after a gang of youths are believed to have waited for them outside a nightclub on New Year’s Eve.
Daily Mail Australia can now reveal authorities were already aware of the Pacific island’s sinister underbelly, leaving unsuspecting travelers in the tourist town of Nadi to act as criminals.
The city’s suburb of Martintar is a renowned drug haven littered with used syringes and the area has been at the center of a series of recent allegations of assault and theft.
The two Virgin Australia victims are said to have been targeted as they walked down the street when they could not find a taxi after leaving Bar One nightclub.
Many taxis are refusing to work in the area after 10pm following a spate of brutal robberies on taxi drivers, leaving partygoers stranded.
“They are like ducks that often have no way home or back to their hotel before dawn,” a Fijian told Daily Mail Australia.
“Last year a taxi driver was murdered and many others robbed, so they have refused to work late until the government does more to protect them.
‘Not only has it caused problems for people getting back to their hotels, but it has also seen groups of heavily intoxicated men hanging out in the streets.
A female Virgin Australia flight crew member was allegedly sexually assaulted outside Bar One nightspot in Nadi, on Fiji’s west coast, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, while a male colleague was robbed and taken to hospital for treatment for a facial injury
The alleged incidents took place after a late night party at the popular nightclub (pictured) to celebrate New Year’s Eve
The Fijian government has enforced an earlier closing time of 1am from 6am for the holidays to try to tackle the crime wave.
‘There were safety concerns months ago so the government changed the club’s opening hours so they close at 1am on New Year’s Eve instead of 6am as usual.
‘Attacks on tourists are not new, but are covered up as much as possible.’
In May 2023, a Japanese tourist claimed she was raped during her second night in the country.
The 26-year-old occupational therapist was staying with a host family in Nadi when she was attacked in her dormitory.
The young woman had visible injuries to her neck and leg, which she provided as evidence to the police, who took her to the hospital for examination.
An Australian friend of the victim, Janinemaree Atkinson, has since spoken of her disappointment with the police investigation in Fiji.
“We have been fighting for justice for weeks but no help has been provided,” said retired teacher Ms Atkinson.
A Japanese tourist claims she was raped on her second night in Fiji, but no arrests have been made
The victims are frustrated by the investigation
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka is concerned about the impact the incident will have on the holiday island’s reputation as an international holiday destination
“It is a total disappointment with the actions of the Fiji Police Force at this time. We had all the DNA and pregnancy tests done.
“There was so much trauma for this young Japanese girl. She is an innocent tourist who had a traumatic experience in Fiji.”
Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew said: “We confirm that a report has been made to the police and the matter is currently under investigation.”
In August 2023, Fiji increased security in the nightclub area of the capital Suva after the governments of New Zealand, the United States and Canada issued security warnings.
All three governments warned of an increase in assaults, robberies and sexual violence in popular bar areas.
However, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Viliame Gavoka emphasizes: ‘Fiji is safe.
“It was specific to certain areas in Suva. Otherwise, the whole country is safe,” Gavoka said.
“Our Prime Minister had publicly said that Fiji is one of the safest countries in the world.
‘We respect what they do [embassies] have to do what they have to do, but they emphasized the fact that we don’t have to worry because Fiji is firmly at level one – the lowest advisory for any country.”
Yesterday, Mr Gavoka expressed condolences for the victims of Virgin Australia cabin crew and said a suspect, who was ‘known to police’, had been questioned in connection with both encounters.
The victims had just celebrated the New Year’s arrival when a male crew member was robbed and his female companion was sexually assaulted.
“There were two separate alleged incidents, one being an alleged theft and the other an alleged sexual assault involving two different crew members,” Mr Gavoka said.
‘A suspect known to the police because of the alleged assault has been questioned. The investigation continues.’
Mr Gavoka also confirmed that Virgin Australia crew members had not been detained during the investigation, although they had been asked to ensure they were contactable and could assist police with their ongoing investigations.
“We refer to reports from various international media claiming that the crew is being ‘detained’ – this is incorrect and false,” he said.
‘The crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated in a local hotel which is the nominated crew accommodation for stopovers.
‘The three crew members were also advised by their headquarters to remain in the vicinity of the hotel to ensure accessibility and assist with police investigations.
“They should return home before the end of this week.”