THE discovery of the grey metallic land cruiser owned by missing Russian couple Yuri Shipulin and his partner Natalia along Natadola Beach Rd in Sigatoka on Saturday evening has raised more questions than answers for authorities and friends of the pair.
The two were reported missing by their business partner, Andrew Luzanenko, last Friday after they failed to return to their farm at Kachiquari, Mulomulo in the Nausori Highlands.
Yesterday, Mr Luzanenko was still worried when a team from this newspaper visited the vegetable farm located about six kilometres from the Nadi Back Rd. He said the couple was faced with a lot of debt and had been facing a lot of personal issues.
“Yuri was very depressed,” said the Russian national.
“His business is not doing very well especially after the cyclone and then we tried to revive the farm but it has been a very slow process.”
He said police officers had searched through their home, built from shipping containers, trying to find clues that could lead to their discovery.
“I was told that the car still had their belongings and their phone in it when it was found.
“I really hope that someone can help us and the police find them.”
The Russian national had been working at the farm over the past six months and was due to return.
“When the business was not doing so well, I decided that I wanted to go back home.
“But now, I can’t because all of our passports are with police.”
Meanwhile, police spokesman Josaia Weicavu said members of the public who had any information on the whereabouts of the couple should contact their nearest police station or call 919.
He said investigations were continuing into the alleged disappearance of the couple.
The pair was first reported missing over the weekend.
