The first phase of the investigation into the verification of the Viber messages has been completed by the Fiji Police Force.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa says this involved the digital analysis of the mobile phones of the implicated officers, with the use of internationally recognized mobile forensic tools, with the support of foreign law enforcement partners.
ACP Waqa says the investigation is now on to its second phase of enquiries with financial institutions and service providers.
He has clarified that the delay in obtaining the statement from an overseas witness is not intentional, as there are jurisdictional compliance matters that must be adhered to prior to sending a Fijian Police officer to Australia.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime confirms that continuous liaison is ongoing between the Commissioners of the Fiji Police Force and Australian Federal Police regarding the matter.
He says the investigation is multifaceted and involves various local and international agencies.
ACP Waqa reaffirms the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu’s commitment for the conduct of a thorough investigation, as the only way forward is to establish the truth to the allegations made.