Since October last year, the Online Safety Commission has referred over 30 serious cases involving sextortion, image-based abuse and related offences to the Fiji Police Force for investigation and charging.
Online Commissioner Filipe Batiwale said online scams, sextortion and image-based abuse remain very widespread across Fiji and increasingly involve cross-border elements.
He said offenders often create fake social media profiles, initiate romantic relationships, obtain intimate images or videos, and later threaten to distribute the material unless money is sent.
“These schemes frequently target Fijians living or working overseas because offenders believe they may have greater financial capacity and victims may also feel reluctant to report the matter due to embarrassment or fear,” Mr Batiwale said.
Where serious criminal conduct is identified, the Online Safety Commission refers matters to the Fiji Police Force, particularly the CID Division and the Cybercrime Unit, for investigation and potential prosecution.
While the Commission continues to work closely with police, Mr Batiwale acknowledged both agencies face resource and investigative capacity challenges, especially in cases requiring extensive manpower, digital forensic analysis and cross-border investigations.
“The Commission itself does not currently have the full investigative powers or forensic capability required to conduct complex criminal investigations.
“As a result, cases requiring enforcement action are formally referred to the police.
Laws that apply include Section 25 of the Online Safety Act 2018 – Posting an intimate visual recording without consent, Section 24 – Causing harm by posting electronic communications, and provisions under the Crimes Act 2009 relating to obscene publications and extortion.
Mr Batiwale said cases involving intimate recordings shared without consent were treated seriously because of the emotional and psychological harm caused to victims.
He urged Fijians, particularly those overseas, not to share intimate material with people met online and to report threats immediately.
