Since October of the previous year, the Online Safety Commission in Fiji has referred more than 30 significant cases related to sextortion, image-based abuse, and associated offenses to the Fiji Police Force for thorough investigation and potential charges. Online Commissioner Filipe Batiwale highlighted the prevalence of these issues, noting that they are becoming increasingly common and often feature international components.
Batiwale explained that perpetrators typically create fraudulent social media profiles to initiate false romantic relationships. They subsequently obtain private images or videos from their victims and threaten to distribute these materials publicly unless they receive financial compensation. These schemes frequently target Fijians residing or working abroad, as offenders believe these individuals may have higher financial resources. Additionally, victims are often hesitant to come forward due to feelings of shame or fear of judgment.
The Online Safety Commission is committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies, specifically the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and the Cybercrime Unit, to pursue these serious criminal cases. However, Batiwale acknowledged resource limitations faced by both agencies, particularly when complex investigations demand significant manpower, extensive digital forensic analysis, and international cooperation.
Furthermore, the Commission currently lacks the investigative powers and forensic capabilities needed to conduct in-depth criminal investigations independently. Therefore, cases requiring law enforcement intervention are formally referred to the police.
The applicable laws include Section 25 of the Online Safety Act 2018, which prohibits posting intimate visual recordings without consent, Section 24 concerning harm caused by electronic communications, and specific provisions under the Crimes Act 2009 related to obscene materials and extortion. Batiwale emphasized that incidents involving the non-consensual sharing of intimate recordings are taken very seriously due to the profound emotional and psychological impact on victims.
He urged Fijians, particularly those living abroad, to refrain from sharing intimate content with individuals they meet online and to report any threats they receive without delay. This call to action aims to empower victims and deter potential offenders, fostering a safer online community.
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