An Australian has called for an independent investigation after claiming that two gold bullion bars worth approximately US$26,000 (FJ$58,000) went missing from his luggage following a customs inspection at Fiji’s Nadi International Airport.
As per The Fiji Times, Ronnie Wong alleges that the two 100-gram gold bars disappeared from his bag while he was transiting through Fiji on 15 October 2026, travelling from Los Angeles to Adelaide.
Wong said he was stopped by customs officers at around 7am, when an officer took his bag away from his sight for inspection.
Although the bag was subsequently returned, he said he did not realise the gold was missing until he arrived home in Australia.
“At the time, I had no reason to believe anything was missing. However, when I arrived home, I discovered that both gold bars were no longer in the bag.”
The two bars had a combined weight of 200 grams and an estimated value of US$26,000.
Wong said he had reported the matter to Fiji Customs, Fiji Police, Nadi International Airport management and the Australian High Commission. However, he claimed he had not received a detailed investigation report or a satisfactory explanation despite repeated follow-ups.
In an email dated 19 October, he asked Fiji Airports to preserve and examine CCTV footage covering the customs inspection.
A Fiji Airports representative acknowledged the complaint on the same day and said the matter would be referred to the airport’s security team.
“We acknowledge your report and will coordinate with our Security team to investigate and request preservation and review of the relevant CCTV footage.”
Wong followed up on 23 October, seeking confirmation that relevant CCTV footage and customs inspection records had been preserved. He also asked which authority was leading the investigation.
He said he was willing to travel back to Fiji to assist investigators and meet with the relevant team.
Wong stressed that he was not accusing any particular customs officer of wrongdoing and wanted an independent inquiry to establish what had happened.
“I understand that an investigation needs to establish the facts, and I am not making an allegation against any particular individual,” he said.
“However, the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of such valuable property are deeply concerning.”
He said he decided to approach the media after becoming frustrated by the lack of detailed information about the investigation.
“I am hoping that media attention may encourage the relevant authorities to take the matter seriously, provide answers and establish what happened to my property.”
The Fiji Times reported that Fiji Airports had acknowledged the complaint and referred it to its security team. The information provided does not establish how or when the gold bars went missing, or whether any individual was responsible.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
