Police Investigate Alleged Leaked Chats

The Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, has ordered an internal investigation following allegations circulating on social media claiming that senior police officers were aiding individuals involved in illegal activities.

The allegations surfaced after Ms Alexandra Forwood publicly released what appear to be chat messages from the popular messaging app Viber.

The screenshots allegedly depict senior police officers communicating about operations directly with individuals believed to be involved in the methamphetamine trade.

The Fiji Police Force has not verified the authenticity of the alleged messages and is treating the matter as a formal allegation pending investigation.

Commissioner Tudravu said the organisation takes such claims seriously, but stressed that the Fiji Police Force “will not allow social media to be used to unfairly discredit the hard work by officers in trying to disrupt and destabilise those involved in the illicit drug trade.”

He also warned that if the allegations are proven to be false, further action will be taken against the author of the post.

The Commissioner emphasised that the Police Force “will not be held at ransom by those who use social media to post claims against police officers, and then choose not to cooperate with police.”

Police say they have observed a recurring pattern in which allegations are circulated online whenever operations intensify pressure on individuals suspected of involvement in the illicit drug trade.

The Fiji Police Force is urging Ms Forwood to lodge an official report and cooperate fully with investigators. Commissioner Tudravu noted that while genuine reporting is encouraged, allegations must be made in good faith.

He said false claims have serious consequences, affecting not only the careers of police officers but also the well-being of their families, who may face distress and stigma when their loved ones are publicly labelled as corrupt based on unverified allegations.

The Force reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward any police officer who may be aiding criminal elements.

Police say they will pursue investigations and disciplinary action whenever an official report is lodged, underscoring their commitment to curbing Fiji’s illicit drug trade.