A woman at the centre of explosive Viber messages alleging links between seven senior police officers and the drug trade is now cooperating with investigators, Fiji’s Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed yesterday.
Mr Tudravu said Alex Forwood had agreed to assist police and would soon provide a formal statement.
“Discussions are in place for one of our senior CID investigators to go across to Sydney to record her statement,” he said.
He said the AFP was also assisting Ms Forwood’s safety and the cross-border component of the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Mr Tudravu dismissed public demands for suspensions, saying decisions would only be made on evidence.
“I would like to state that I don’t support police officers being charged by public opinion without substantial evidence.
“At this point in time, it’s still a Viber message, investigation is underway.”
He urged the public to allow investigators to work without pressure.
“We want to get in and find out real connections that are out there.
“People need to understand where I’m coming from, where we want evidence.”
Police will also probe the “money trail” once the authenticity of the messages is verified.
