The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has found there is insufficient evidence to lay criminal charges against 11 police officers investigated over allegations linked to leaked Viber messages and alleged corrupt conduct.
In a statement issued today, the ODPP confirmed it had completed its legal assessment of 11 police investigation dockets referred by the Fiji Police Force following allegations arising from a series of Facebook posts containing screenshots of Viber messages.
Those implicated included officers from the Narcotics Bureau.
The complaint alleged the officers had received corrupt benefits or bribes and had engaged in discussions relating to illicit drug activities.
Following what the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions described as a careful review of all available evidence, the ODPP concluded that the evidence currently available does not meet the threshold required to prosecute any of the officers.
“As a result of a careful review and assessment of all the available evidence, the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions has determined that there is currently insufficient evidence to institute charges against any of the 11 police officers,” the statement said.
The ODPP has now returned the investigation files to the Fiji Police Force together with recommendations for further investigations and identified additional matters for police to consider.
The Office said the matter remains open and could be reassessed if investigators uncover new evidence.
“The ODPP will conduct a further review of the files should further investigations yield new or sufficient evidence that establishes or supports the commission of any criminal offence,” the statement added.
The decision means no charges will be filed against the officers at this stage, pending any further investigations by the Fiji Police Force.
