Fijian businessman in Cook Islands charged with multiple counts of assault

A Fijian businessman in the Cook Islands has been charged with multiple counts of assault following an incident involving a related party nearly a week ago.

According to a report by Cook Islands News, Cook Islands Police confirmed the man was arrested on Monday and charged. He is expected to appear in court tomorrow.

Police media advisor Trevor Pitt told Cook Islands News that officers had initially issued a Police Safety Order to the accused in an effort to de-escalate the dispute.

Mr Pitt said the accused was arrested on Monday afternoon and formally charged with multiple counts of assault.

“The accused was arrested Monday afternoon on multiple assault charges,” Mr Pitt told Cook Islands News.

“He was bailed this morning yesterday to appear on Thursday.”

The report said the other party involved in the incident is facing an alleged theft charge and is also expected to appear in court.

According to Cook Islands News, the charges against both individuals stem from the same incident.