AN Australian national wanted for charges ranging from tax evasion and assault to illegal possession of firearms and explosives has been taken into the custody of Immigration authorities.
Agape Ministries pastor Rocco Leo Agape was caught on Sunday, June 19 after a combined raid by the police, Transitional Crime Unit and the Department of Immigration.
The leader of the controversial Agape Ministries, which Australian authorities have described as a doomsday-type cult, is also said to have tried to hide AUD$5million (FJ$9.3m) hours before his financial assets were frozen.
Arms and explosives were also found in containers linked to the group as well as on its properties with relatives of members with children expressing concerns over their wellbeing.
After more than a year on the run from Australian authorities, Mr Agape, who had also been sighted in Vanuatu, was caught at Tiri Villas in Deuba.
Mr Agape, whom director of immigration Major Nemani Vuniwaqa confirmed entered the country last month, was apprehended along with a female.
Major Vuniwaqa said: "The pair are being detained for overstaying their visitors' permits along with a third male who arrived in the country with the pair last year.
"The third individual handed himself to the authorities at around midday on Tuesday."
Investigations into the trio's whereabouts and activities over the past 12 months continue.
(Fiji Times, June 24, 2011)
Original text from: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=173197
