Fiji’s secret crime spree is revealed – as police make major breakthrough after Virgin Australia crew were allegedly raped and robbed

Fiji police are questioning a key suspect over the alleged rape and robbery of Virgin Australia airline staff after a gang of youths are believed to have laid in wait for them outside a nightclub on New Year’s Eve.

Daily Mail Australia can now reveal authorities were already aware of the sinister underbelly on Pacific island nation, which has left unsuspecting travellers sitting ducks for criminals in the tourist town of Nadi.

The city’s Martintar suburb is a renowned drug haven littered with used syringes and the area has been at the centre of a string of recent assault and robbery allegations.

The two Virgin Australia victims were allegedly targeted as they walked down the street when they they were unable to 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 cab drivers, leaving revellers stranded.

‘They’re like sitting ducks with often no way home or back to hotels before sunrise,’ a Fiji local told Daily Mail Australia.

‘A taxi driver was murdered last year and many others robbed so they’ve refused to work late until the government do more to protect them.

‘It’s not only caused problems for people getting back to their hotels, but it has left groups of heavily intoxicated men loitering around the streets.

‘There were safety concerns months ago so the government changed the club operating hours to close at 1am on New Year’s Eve instead of 6am as usual.

‘Attacks on tourists are not new, but have been covered up wherever possible.’

 In May 2023, a Japanese tourist alleged she was raped on her second night in the country.

The 26-year-old occupational therapist had been staying at a homestay in Nadi when she was attacked in her dormitory.

The young woman had visible injury marks on her neck and leg which she provided to the police as evidence, who took her her to hospital for examination.

An Australian friend of the victim, Janinemaree Atkinson, has since spoke of her disappointment with the Fiji police investigation.

‘We’ve been fighting for many weeks to get justice, but no help has been given,’ retired teacher Ms Atkinson said.

‘It is a total disappointment of action by the Fiji police at this point. 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 Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said: ‘We confirm that a report was made to the police, and the case is currently under investigation.’

In August 2023 Fiji stepped up security in the capital city Suva’s nightclub area after New Zealand, United States and Canadian governments issued safety warnings.

All three governments warned of an increase in assaults, robberies and sexual assaults in the popular bar areas.

However Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka insists: ‘Fiji is safe.

‘It was specific to certain areas in Suva. Otherwise, the whole country is safe,’ Mr Gavoka said.

‘Our prime minister had gone public to say Fiji is one of the safest countries in the world.

‘We respect what they [embassies] have to do what they have to do, but they highlighted the fact that we should not worry because Fiji is firmly in level one – the lowest advisory for any country.’

Yesterday Mr Gavoka extended his sympathies to the Virgin Australia cabin crew victims and said that a suspect, who was ‘known to police’, had been questioned in relation to both encounters.

The victims had just celebrated the New Year ‘s arrival before one male crew member was robbed and his female companion was sexually assaulted.

‘There were two separate alleged incidents, one being alleged theft and the other being alleged sexual assault which affected two different crew members,’ said Mr Gavoka.

‘A suspect known to police for the alleged sexual assault has been questioned. Investigation continues.’

Mr Gavoka also confirmed Virgin Australia’s crew members had not been detained during the investigation, although they had been asked to ensure they were contactable and able to assist police with their ongoing enquiries. 

‘We refer to reports by various international media claiming that the crew are being ‘detained’ – this is incorrect and false,’ he said.

‘The crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated at a local hotel which is the nominated crew accommodation for layovers.

‘The three crew members were also advised by their headquarters to remain within the hotel vicinity to ensure contactability and assist with police investigations.

‘They should return home before the end of this week.’