Update: 11:10AM POLICE have confirmed that the remains found washed ashore at Natadola Beach in Sigatoka last week are that of a missing Russian couple.
The confirmation just came in from Chief of Intelligence and Investigations, Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Navela.
“DNA tests conducted confirm the remains belong to the two. Investigations continue,” he said.
Yuri Shipulin and his wife Natalia were reported missing to police in mid-June when they failed to return to their farm at Kachiquari in Mulomulo on the Nausori Highlands in Nadi.
Their business partner reported them missing and their vehicle registration PILOT was found on Natadola Beach Road a few days after their disappearance.
As investigations continued into their disappearance, some body parts were found on the beach and a further search led to the discovery of more.
Through the assistance of INTERPOL, the results of tests carried out in Fiji were sent abroad for DNA tests.
With the assistance of the Fiji Navy, police will continue searching waters off Natadola Beach tomorrow for more body parts.
