Fiji government issue major update after Virgin Australia crew allegedly robbed on night out

The Fiji government has issued a major update about an alleged incident involving Virgin Australia crew members being attacked on a night out.

Fiji authorities have issued a major update after Virgin Australia airline crew members were allegedly robbed during a night out.

Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of theft and sexual assault in relation to two separate incidents that unfolded after the plane touched down at Nadi International Airport on Tuesday, as reported by local media.

In a statement on Thursday, Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said: “A suspect known to Police for the alleged sexual assault has been questioned.”

Three Virgin Airline crew have been confined to their hotel rooms. Picture: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

Mr Gavoka confirmed the crew were “in good health” and remain at the hotel to “ensure contactability and assist with police investigations”.

“They should return home before the end of the week,” he said.

“Our thoughts and concerns are with them and for their health and wellbeing.

“These alleged incidents are regrettable.

“There were two separate alleged incidents, one being alleged theft and the other being alleged sexual assault which affected two different crew members.”

The nation’s acting police commissioner Juki Fong Chew has said it occurred during a night out, according to newspaper The Fiji Sun.

“We confirm police are investigating the Australian airline crew case as they were (alleged) victims of theft and of allegations of rape after clubbing,” Mr Chew said.

It is understood police are considering locals as suspects.

Fiji’s assistant police commissioner Mesake Waqa the alleged incident involved two crew members, a man and a woman, as reported by the ABC.

The crew are staying at the Tanoa Hotel Nadi while investigations continue.

It is alleged the man was robbed and the woman sexually assaulted.

It is understood the man was taken to hospital with facial injuries.

A Virgin Australia spokesperson told NewsWire on Thursday morning that the crew had been “advised to stay” at the hotel but were “not detained”.

It was reported earlier that the crew members had been separated and restricted to their rooms at Hotel Tanoa.

A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told NewsWire they were aware of the reported incident.

“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment,” they said.

The airline confirmed Virgin’s management team had been flown to Fiji investigate the incident.

7News reported family members of the crew are on their way to the country and a replacement team has been dispatched to fly the plane back to Australia.

The spokesperson confirmed they were aware of an incident, but did not reveal any further details.

“Our priority is the welfare of the crew,” they told NewsWire.

Originally published as Fiji government issue major update after Virgin Australia crew allegedly robbed on night out