The 77 Chinese nationals who were sent back to China from Fiji over the weekend are suspected to be involved in more than 50 telecom and online fraud cases targeting Chinese citizens in China amounting to about $US900,000.
A joint statement by the Fiji Police Force and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China says that a joint operation between Fijian and Chinese law enforcement agencies under an existing Memorandum of Understanding of police cooperation has resulted in the removal of 77 Chinese nationals who were found to be in breach of their visa conditions.
They say a request for assistance was extended to the Fiji Police Force from the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Public Security regarding the group’s alleged involvement in certain illegal activities which were in breach of their visa conditions.
Fiji Police and the Department of Immigration facilitated the protocol and approval was sought from relevant authorities whereby the investigation into the alleged activities began.
The month long operation saw Fijian law enforcement agencies deal with the alleged breaches in visa conditions in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of Fiji.
Following a thorough investigation conducted by the three law enforcement agencies, Fiji Police and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China confirm that no Fijian was a victim of the group’s alleged illegal activities.
They say the successful outcome of the collaboration under the MOU is a testament of the two countries ongoing commitment in maintaining law and order in the two countries.
