Two additional individuals have been charged by the Fiji Police MPaisa Task Force for allegedly obtaining money through deception.
In the first instance, a 35-year-old woman from Namara, Labasa, is accused of acquiring $320 from a member of the public on March 16, 2024, via the Mpaisa platform. Investigations revealed that the victim believed they were sending the funds to a family friend who had requested help. Upon later verifying with the friend, who denied making such a request, the victim reported the incident to the police.
In another case, a 20-year-old man from Nabekavu, Labasa, faces charges for allegedly obtaining $200 dishonestly. The victim reportedly sent this amount on May 15, 2024, in response to a Facebook advertisement for a phone being sold. The accused is believed to have taken the money and ceased all communication with the victim.
Both individuals are scheduled to appear in the Labasa Magistrates Court today.