waving colorful flag of new zealand and national flag of vietnam. macro Photo: 123RF
Police are trying to extradite Vietnamese officials suspected of indecently assaulting two women at a Wellington restaurant.
The incident happened in March last year. Police received complaints from two different women, but were unable to lay charges as the suspects had already left the country.
On Friday, they said an extradition file was being prepared despite no extradition treaty between New Zealand and Vietnam.
"We have had positive engagement with Vietnamese officials to date, and I am confident that will continue," Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said.
"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."
Travel alerts were in place at the border, in case the suspects return to New Zealand.
Police in December said there was "no doubt" the incident happened.
Stuff reported a former staff member at Saigon on Willis, who was 19 at the time of the official's visit, recalled the men "pulling us into their laps, pinning us against the wall".
An investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses, showed the suspects were Vietnamese officials, visiting on official business, police said.
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, diplomatic staff and their families are granted immunity from arrest or prosecution, and cannot be detained or subpoenaed as a witness.
This can be waived if the New Zealand Government believes a serious crime - an offence for which the penalty is a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more - is alleged to have been committed, and it is in the public interest to prosecute.
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