Vietnamese Officials Accused of Sexual Assault: New Zealand Police Raised Issue with Minister Luong Tam Quang

New Zealand Police have confirmed that they raised the issue of two Vietnamese officials accused of sexual assault in Wellington with Public Security Minister Luong Tam Quang during his visit to the country in August. The alleged incident occurred at a restaurant in Wellington in March 2024. According to a statement from New Zealand Police, law enforcement officials raised the matter directly with Minister Quang during a meeting in Auckland on August 13. New Zealand Police stated that they are collaborating with Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security to advance the resolution of this case, and it is currently being handled by the relevant authorities within Vietnam. They also indicated that they will continue to provide updates to the victim. The allegations emerged after two female employees at a Vietnamese restaurant named SAIGON Restaurant & Bar on Willis in Wellington claimed they were sexually assaulted by two officials who were in New Zealand on an "official business trip" in March 2024. One of the alleged victims, Ms. Alison Cook, told BBC News Vietnamese that she was drugged and assaulted in a karaoke room at the restaurant. New Zealand Police received two complaints related to the incident in March 2024 and initiated an investigation. Through witness accounts and CCTV footage, police identified the suspects, stating they were "Vietnamese officials" visiting the country. However, as the individuals had already left New Zealand and there is no extradition treaty between New Zealand and Vietnam, extradition procedures could not be pursued, preventing any charges from being laid. Police stated that if the alleged attackers were still in New Zealand, they would have pursued criminal prosecution. New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also expressed its concerns and sent a letter to the Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand. However, reports in October 2025 indicated that New Zealand's request for extradition of the two accused officials had been unsuccessful. A spokesperson for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was quoted at the time as saying they were "disappointed" that the extradition request had not been successful. Vietnam operates under a one-party system led by the Communist Party, experiencing significant economic growth. However, allegations of corruption and abuse of power within the country are periodically raised. Vietnam also navigates complex geopolitical challenges, including its relationship with China and issues in the South China Sea.