Virgin Australia crew members were allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed in Fiji

The Fiji government announced on Thursday that it was investigating allegations of theft and sexual assault of two Virgin Australia crew members in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Deputy Prime Minister Willem Gavoca said the alleged attacks took place on Wednesday in the nightclub area of ​​Nadi, where the international airport is located.

“The alleged incidents are unfortunate,” Javoca said in a statement. statement.

“There were two separate alleged incidents, one an alleged robbery and one an alleged sexual assault, affecting two different crew members,” he said.

“A suspect known to police has been questioned for alleged sexual assault. The investigation is ongoing.”

The minister said the crew members are at a local hotel used by the airline for a stopover, and are scheduled to return home this week after assisting police in the investigation.

Virgin Australia has sent representatives to Fiji to provide support to affected employees.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Reuters news agency it was aware of the reports but declined to comment further.

Gavoka, who is also Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, said such attacks could happen anywhere and Fiji was not “immune”.

He said: “We, as usual, remind tourists to be careful in nightclub areas and late at night.”

Latest crime statistics Published by Fiji Police The month of November showed an increase in the crime rate for the month of October by 6% compared to the same period last year.

Fiji relies heavily on the tourism industry, with nearly one million visitors annually.

Last month, there were seven foreign tourists, including an American He was taken to hospital in Fiji After drinking cocktails at the resort bar. But authorities later said they were tourists as well Not poisoned by alcohol Or illegal drugs, officials said after the toxicology report.