Regional News

Harold Koi: Monday, February 08, 2010 - Fiji Times Ltd:

POLICE in joint operation with officers from the Fiji Immigration department have arrested nine Asians in three separate house raids.

The nine, comprising of seven Chinese females and two Chinese males were arrested on Friday night and are awaiting deportation.

Immigration Director Nemani Vuniwaqa said the nine were in custody following raids at Nailevu Road, Lekutu and Thompson streets on Friday.

Major Vuniwaqa said a joint operation by the Immigration Department, Transnational Crime Unit and police arrested the Asia women had bridged conditions of their work permits, which did not allow for prostitution activities they were allegedly engaging in.

He said the operation was conducted after a surveillance was carried out over a period of one month. Major Vuniwaqa said their surveillance confirmed the involvement of prostitution and prostitution related activities.

"All arrested persons has breached the terms of their visa and are currently being detained awaiting deportation to their country.

"On Thursday, the Fiji navy arrested a Ukrainian national who was working as a chief engineer on a fishing vessel in the high seas.

"The Ukrainian's work permit had expired in 2005 and the immigration is currently investigating this matter," he said.

Under the new Crimes Decree passed last week, police now have the powers to raid and arrest those they suspect of engaging in prostitution related activities, which are illegal in Fiji.

The two Chinese males were deemed illegal immigrants as their visas had expired.