Two individuals are set to appear in the Sigatoka Magistrates Court today, facing charges related to obtaining financial advantage through deception and possessing property suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
The first defendant, a 25-year-old man from Nadi, is accused of two separate incidents. In the first case, he allegedly took $3,000 from a victim in August 2023, claiming it was for an investment opportunity advertised on Facebook. The victim later discovered the investment was fraudulent after failing to receive any returns, prompting her to report the matter to the Tavua Police Station. The Fiji Police Cyber Task Force subsequently charged him with obtaining financial advantage by deception as well as possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
In the second instance, he is alleged to have acquired $1,000 from another member of the public under similar pretenses. After several unsuccessful attempts to reach the accused, the victim reported the incident at the Nasinu Police Station. This incident reportedly occurred in April 2023.
The second individual, a 24-year-old woman from Lautoka, is charged with dishonestly obtaining $200 in November 2022. The accused reportedly collected the money from a victim who believed she was paying for a taxi permit. After failing to reach the accused, the victim filed a report at the Lautoka Police Station. The woman also faces charges of obtaining financial advantage and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Both accused will be presented in court today, where authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance against scams, especially those exploiting social media for fraudulent investment opportunities.
This situation illustrates ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat fraud and protect consumers. Authorities are urging the public to verify the legitimacy of financial opportunities before making transactions, thereby helping to create a safer online environment for everyone.
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