Suspect arrested over elderly man’s bank card, pension theft

Police officers from the Central Division Criminal Investigations Department have arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged theft of an elderly man’s bank card and pension money.

The suspect was arrested with items believed to belong to the victim and is currently in custody at the Totogo Police Station in Suva.

Police said the incident occurred after the elderly man handed his bank card to a stranger who offered to withdraw money on his behalf.

The stranger later returned with only $20, claiming it was all that remained in the account.

Police said a bystander who had stopped to assist suggested checking the transaction history, but the ATM rejected the PIN.

It was then discovered that the card in the elderly man’s possession was not his own.

Authorities allege the suspect swapped the victim’s bank card and unlawfully withdrew his pension funds.

Witness statements have been obtained, and investigations are continuing.