A joint operation conducted by the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Services and the Fiji Immigration Department has resulted in the arrest of an individual in Nadi, suspected to be dealing with forged international travel documents.
According to police, the suspect was arrested yesterday and is in Police custody as investigations continue.
Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho says the Fiji Police Force is committed to working with its Fijian law enforcement partners in tackling all forms of human trafficking.
“The success of this joint operation is testament to the dedication and determination Fijian law enforcement have in tackling human trafficking whether it be on the local, regional or international front,” he said.
“We are stronger together, and the Fiji Police Force in collaboration with local partners, is committed to supporting national efforts in tackling suspected forms of human trafficking to safeguard the well-being of all Fijians”.
Fijian Immigration Department (FID) Director Amelia Komaisavai says it stands with its law enforcement counterparts, Fiji Police Force (FPF) and Fiji Revenue and Customs Services (FRCS) in the disruption of transnational crime in Fiji as well as the region.
“Yesterday’s successful operation by the multi-agency taskforce reaffirms the Department’s commitment towards the greater border security of Fiji and the region in disrupting organized crime,” she said.
“Human trafficking is a crime against humanity and the Department will continue working in partnership with the respective agencies in its efforts to combat such crimes”.
Ms Komaisavai adds the Immigration Department is committed towards the successful implementation of Fiji’s National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking through the sharing of information and collaboration with Fiji’s law enforcement and border agencies including support from development partners and will continue to undertake similar operations in the future.
Recently, Fiji had moved up in its ranking in the US Trafficking in persons report from Tier 2 Watch list to Tier 2.
FRCS Acting chief executive officer Jonetani Vuto says working with other agencies at the border plays a pivotal role in the 3D strategy of detection, disruption and dismantling of organized crime.
“Sharing of information and coordination of joint operations is providing greater border security assurance to all Fijians and the region,” Mr Vuto said.
Police added that more information will be released upon the completion of the investigations.
