It comes after two complaints were made to police following an “incident” at Saigon Restaurant on Willis St in March, 2024. Photo / Supplied
It comes after two complaints were made to police following an “incident” at Saigon Restaurant on Willis St in March, 2024. Photo / Supplied
Police are preparing an extradition file against two Vietnamese officials accused of indecently assaulting two workers at a Wellington restaurant last year.
It comes after two complaints were made to police following an “incident” at Saigon Restaurant on Willis St in March, 2024.
Onevictim told Stuff the officials were “pulling us into their laps, pinning us against the wall” during their shift.
It’s claimed the officials had plied the waitresses with alcohol and that both women woke the next day with cuts to their nipples but could not remember how they suffered the injuries.
In a statement today, a police spokesperson said detectives investigating the matter identified the alleged offenders as members of a Vietnamese delegation, who had already left the country.
“While no extradition treaty exists between New Zealand and Vietnam, police have continued to explore all available options.”
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said extradition needed to be explored, and preparing an extradition file is the next step in progressing this matter.
“We have had positive engagement with Vietnamese officials to date, and I am confident that will continue.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. Photo / Mark Mitchell
“While this process is ongoing and complex, we hope our ongoing efforts provide some assurance to the complainants that we are taking this matter seriously,” Chambers said.
He said travel alerts were in place at the border to ensure police are notified - and given the opportunity to take “affirmative actions” - if the suspects in this case return to New Zealand.
Stuff reported the two Vietnamese officials accused of indecent assault were with a delegation from Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, which was visiting the Royal New Zealand Police College.
The Herald is seeking comment from the Vietnamese Embassy.
