Australian-based whistleblower refuses to reveal sources to Fiji Police

Australian-based Alexandra Forwood says she will not reveal her sources when giving a statement to Fiji Police Force investigators regarding viral Viber messages alleging senior officers aided drug dealers.

Ms Forwood, who posted the screenshots from Sydney, Australia, said she would be guided by legal advice and trusts Australian and New Zealand investigators more than Fiji Police.

“I will be guided by legal advice and will not reveal my sources, if any,” Ms Forwood told this masthead yesterday.

“However, I trust the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and New Zealand Police (NZP) investigators as they are more competent and will work with integrity, without favour to anyone except the people they serve.”

Ms Forwood called for a fully independent investigation by the Fijian authorities and said she would cooperate under the guidance of her lawyer, Rajendra Chaudhry.

A senior Criminal Investigations Department investigator is expected to travel to Sydney to record Ms Forwood’s statement with AFP assistance.

She also claimed to have evidence that Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu was offered two bribes, which he reportedly rejected.

“Therefore, he should be kept at arm’s length in terms of the investigator,” she added.

Commissioner Tudravu yesterday dismissed allegations that he was offered bribes, including the purported $1 million mentioned in the viral messages.

“People can check my account. I wish I had that $1 million. But these are all allegations, similar to those made against our police officers,” he said.

He added that investigators would work to uncover the truth and get to the root of the matter.

Seven officers, including the director of Narcotics, have had their phones seized for digital forensic analysis.