Five men have been charged by the Fiji Police MPaisa TaskForce for allegedly obtaining money through deception in separate incidents in Labasa, Ba, and Nadi.
The first suspect, a 32-year-old man from Bulileka, is accused of obtaining $230 from a victim on March 15, 2024. He allegedly hacked a close friend’s Viber account, sending a message that requested money for urgent needs. Once the victim realized it was a scam, a report was filed with the authorities.
In a second incident, a 26-year-old man from Siberia, also on March 15, 2024, is accused of taking $80 from a victim who had paid for goods advertised on Facebook by the accused. The man withdrew the money without delivering the items.
Both individuals are set to appear in the Labasa Magistrates Court today.
Two more men will face similar charges at the Ba Magistrates Court. A 27-year-old man from Rarawai is alleged to have scammed a victim out of $2,847 in December 2023. The victim reportedly clicked on an investment link on Facebook, leading him to make two deposits to bank accounts held by the accused, thinking it was a legitimate investment opportunity. After receiving no feedback, the victim contacted the police.
In another case in Ba, a 37-year-old man from Tauvegavega is accused of dishonestly obtaining $170 from a victim on February 7, 2023. The victim received a call claiming his taxi permit application was approved and sent the money, but he later reported the matter to the police when he received no confirmation.
Lastly, a 49-year-old man from Navo in Nadi is alleged to have taken $286 from a victim on March 23, 2021, after claiming he could help secure employment. After receiving the funds, the accused allegedly ceased all communication, prompting the victim to report the incident to the Labasa Police Station.
All five men have been charged with one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception.