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

Police in Fiji are investigating allegations of theft and sexual assault against two Virgin Australia crew members in the early hours of the New Year, the government said Thursday.

Deputy Prime Minister William Gavoka said the attacks took place on Wednesday at a nightclub in the city of Nadi, home to the international airport.

“The alleged incidents are regrettable,” Gavoca said statement.

“There were two separate alleged incidents, one was theft and the other was an alleged sexual assault involving two different crew members,” he said.

“The suspect known to the police for sexual harassment has been interrogated. The investigation is ongoing.”

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

Virgin Australia has sent representatives to Fiji to support the affected workers.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Reuters they were aware of the reports but declined to comment further.

Gavoka, who is also tourism and civil aviation minister, said such attacks could happen anywhere and Fiji was not “immune”.

“As always, we remind tourists to be careful in night club areas and late at night.

Latest crime statistics Posted by Fiji Police The crime rate shown in November for October increased by 6 percent compared to the same period last year.

Fiji relies heavily on its tourism industry, with around one million visitors a year.

Last month there were seven foreign tourists, including an American Hospitalized in Fiji after a cocktail at the resort bar. But later the authorities said that there were tourists not poisoned by alcohol or illegal drugs, authorities said after a toxicology report.