FOUR Nepalese nationals are being held in a safe house in Fiji and have been identified as trafficking victims lured by locals with false job promises as investigations into the scam intensify.
Immigration Department Border Security and Enforcement manager Jee Cirikisuva confirmed the case was with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding charges under the Crimes Act 2009.
“At the moment, we have four Nepalese who are currently under immigration care and are sheltered at the immigration safe house. They have been identified as victims of trafficking,” Mr Cirikisuva said.
“From the immigration side of things, we have conducted the necessary investigations and have referred the file to the Office of the DPP for further assessment, as well as to assess the possibility of policing charges.”
The victims arrived on visitor’s permits and the Fiji Police Force’s Human Trafficking Unit is liaising with the Office of the DPP.
“Our initial investigation confirms that they have been recruited by a few of our locals. So, they are brought in under a visitor’s permit with the promise to work.”
The individuals will remain in protective custody pending the outcome of the investigation.
