23 May 2002

Fiji police officer questioned about alleged links to criminals

3:14 pm on 23 May 2002

Senior Fiji police officers have been questioned about their alleged involvement in Chinese Mafia type activities in prostitution, gambling, drug trafficking and people smuggling.

This has been confirmed in parliament by the attorney general, Qoriniasi Bale.

Mr Bale says police have also tried to identify other colleagues who may be involved in alleged Triad-type operations.

Mr Bale has confirmed that the Chinese national known as the Mafia Queen of Fiji is still in the country because she is awaiting the outcome of an appeal against the decision of the authorities to refuse her application for citizenship.

Media reports in Fiji say the authorities have been unsuccessful in trying put into effect a deportation order issued against her because she is protected by people in high places.