Five men have been charged by the Fiji Police MPaisa Task Force as part of separate cases involving alleged deception to obtain money in Labasa, Ba, and Nadi.
The first suspect, a 32-year-old from Bulileka in Labasa, reportedly received $230 on March 15, 2024, after sending a Viber message that appeared to be from a close friend. The suspect allegedly hacked into the friend’s Viber account, asking for money urgently. Once the victim realized it was a scam, a report was filed with the police.
In the second case, a 26-year-old man from Siberia in Labasa is accused of obtaining $80 on the same day. He allegedly advertised goods for sale on Facebook and received payment but failed to deliver the items. Both individuals are expected to appear in Labasa Magistrates Court today.
Additionally, two men will face charges at the Ba Magistrates Court for similar offenses. A 27-year-old man from Rarawai, Ba, is alleged to have scammed a victim out of $2,847 in December 2023 through an online investment scheme. The victim clicked on a Facebook link and sent the money to accounts provided by the accused, but reported the matter to police after receiving no response.
In another case in Ba, a 37-year-old man from Tauvegavega allegedly obtained $170 from a victim for a taxi permit on February 7, 2023. The victim received a call claiming the permit application had been approved and sent the money but reported the incident when no updates were provided.
The fifth suspect, a 49-year-old man from Navo in Nadi, is accused of obtaining $286 on March 23, 2021, by promising the victim employment in exchange for the amount. After receiving the money, he ceased all communication, leading to a report filed at the Labasa Police Station.
All five men face one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception.