23 Nov 2010

Probe into Fiji bank note theft still incomplete

4:16 pm on 23 November 2010

Investigations into the theft of one million dollars in new Fiji $20 notes are continuing despite the arrest of two Singapore nationals.

The two men appeared in court in Singapore last week charged with theft and retaining the proceeds of theft.

The container holding the money had its seal broken before it arrived at the Suva Wharf in September after being shipped from Britain.

Fiji police referred the matter to Interpol and forces in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand became involved

A spokesperson for the Fiji police, Fred Elbourne, says the arrests followed close cooperation between all those jurisdictions:

"We believe the crime was perpetrated overseas and we couldn't have done it without the expertise help from our friends."

Mr Elbourne says investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected