Virgin Australia Crew
The Fiji government has announced that police are investigating two separate incidents involving crew members of Virgin Australia who were reportedly victims of theft and sexual assault in Nadi during the early hours of New Year’s Day.
These alleged incidents occurred while the crew members were on a layover in the South Pacific island nation, awaiting their next flight.
Fiji’s Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, stated that the investigation revealed some Virgin Australia crew members had visited a nightclub in Nadi.
“Unfortunately, two of the crew members were victims of an alleged theft and rape after exiting the nightclub while trying to find their way back to the hotel,” Chew explained in an official statement.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, clarified that the incidents involved two different crew members and were unrelated.
One crew member was allegedly sexually assaulted, while the other was a victim of theft. Gavoka expressed regret over these events and confirmed that police have questioned a suspect connected to the sexual assault. The investigation remains ongoing.
Virgin Australia acknowledged the incidents in a statement, confirming that it has dispatched a team to Fiji to provide support to its affected staff. However, the airline refrained from disclosing further details, citing the sensitive nature of the investigations.
Fiji, known for its picturesque beaches and as a sought-after tourist destination, attracts visitors predominantly from Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
In November alone, the country welcomed 76,845 tourists, according to its tourism department. The allegations have raised concerns about safety in a nation that relies heavily on tourism as a key economic driver.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also acknowledged the reports but declined to comment further on the matter.
As investigations continue, both Fiji’s authorities and Virgin Australia are working to address the situation while supporting the victims.
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