The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirms that the Grace Road Group file dealing with allegations of human trafficking is currently under review following its return by the Fiji Police Force.
The ODPP says the file had previously been referred back to the Police for further investigation.
They also say in relation to the US Department’s assessment on Trafficking in Persons, their office has submitted a report directly to the US Embassy outlining relevant Trafficking In Persons matters for 2025 to 2026.
The US Trafficking In Persons Report for Fiji says foreign nationals, including from the Republic of Korea and the United States, who are members of a foreign-based religious organisation, the Grace Road Group, experience conditions indicative of human trafficking, including in businesses owned and operated by the organisation in the agriculture, retail, construction, and service industries.
While responding to our questions, Permanent Secretary for Employment, Maritino Nemani says no report has been filed but he welcomes any of the employees to file the report with the Ministry.
He stresses that no worker, local or foreign, should be unfairly treated.
Speaking about other cases, the DPP's Office says there is currently one trafficking in persons case before the court.
A 42-year-old woman was charged earlier this year with one count of trafficking in persons.
It is alleged that, in 2022, the accused was offered employment in Egypt through facebook but declined the offer.
She subsequently referred the opportunity to a 51-year-old woman and facilitated the latter’s travel from Fiji to Egypt for employment as a babysitter, allegedly being reckless as to whether the victim would be exploited.
The ODPP says for information regarding any other trafficking in persons cases currently under active investigation, we have to liaise directly with the Fiji Police Force.
