The United States government says US navy divers in Niue should not have taken matters into their own hands after a group of Niueans stole their diving gear.
The divers were working on an aid project when a group of teenagers allegedly stole US government equipment valued at about 20,000 US dollars.
The divers later recovered the gear and reportedly beat up the alleged thieves.
Charges were brought against the Americans but they were discharged without conviction.
A US Embassy spokesperson in Wellington, Janine Burns, says the government can understand the divers' frustration but it in no way condones people operating outside the law.
Ms Burns says the divers could still face legal action in the US.
"We understand that there will be a United States military investigation into the incident and after that investigation is complete, a recommendation will be made as to what legal process will be pursued in relation to the naval personnel."
Janine Burns.
The Niue premier's secretary, Justin Kampala, says Niue police have now filed theft charges against the teenagers allegedly involved.
