The Fiji Police Force is currently investigating nearly 650 scam cases, as announced by Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, during a Regional Workshop for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) held at Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Nadroga. Turaga highlighted a particularly troubling case involving a woman from the Western Division who lost almost half a million dollars in a cyber extortion scheme. This scam involved threats to release her intimate photos online if she did not pay a ransom, demonstrating the increasing risk of cybercrime in Fiji.
The minister revealed that the scammer, who was based in Fiji, exploited the victim’s belief that she was communicating with someone overseas. Despite the scammer’s local connection, she continued to comply with payment demands, hoping to prevent the release of her photos. This crime underscores how cybercriminals target vulnerable individuals, particularly women seeking companionship online.
Additionally, Turaga pointed to a fraudulent M-Paisa transaction scheme connected to fake eBay listings for equipment, which has caused over $600,000 in losses to victims. To combat these issues, the government is enhancing its legal framework and agency capacities to effectively address the rising threat of cybercrime.
In collaboration with international partners, the ODPP is prioritizing capacity-building measures that include training local officials on collecting and presenting electronic evidence in court, navigating complex cybercrime legislation, and improved overall understanding of global standards for handling such cases. Turaga affirmed the commitment to strengthening responses to cybercrime, emphasizing the need for law enforcement and legal practitioners to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics.
This proactive approach reflects a hopeful outlook for improving protections against cybercrime and fostering safety for individuals online. By investing in training and international cooperation, the Fiji government is taking critical steps toward safeguarding its citizens from the growing danger of digital scams.
Summary: The Fiji Police Force is investigating around 650 scam cases, including a significant cyber extortion case in which a woman lost nearly half a million dollars. Minister Siromi Turaga highlighted the local and international efforts being made to combat cybercrime through enhanced legal frameworks, training, and collaboration with global partners to effectively respond to these evolving threats.
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