11 Nov 2004

Fiji police investigating possible scam over work promised in Middle East

3:16 pm on 11 November 2004

Fiji police are investigating a possible scam involving thousands of Fijians who have paid an agent promising them work in Iraq and Kuwait.

Timoci Lolohea has been collecting 100-US dollars per person, saying he is on a recruitment drive for staff for the Kuwait-based Public Warehousing Company.

The company has denied authorising Mr Lolohea to sign up Fijian workers.

Police spokesman, Acting Assistant Superintendent Kolinio Vunaki, says the police received complaints about Mr Lolohea from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"There are certain areas that we need to clarify the prove the existence of this company and to try and foil any possibility of fraud. We understand there's a lot of people that have contributed some money to Lolohea."

Acting Assistant Superintendent Vunaki declined to say how much money was involved in the alleged scam.