The Criminal Investigations Department have taken over the investigation of the case where a missing teenager was found gagged and tied, while a suspect has been identified.

Deputy Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Keti confirmed that the kidnapping incident, where a 14-year-old girl has taken a new twist after statements from the victim were taken on Monday morning.

Papalii said the matter is more serious as allegations of sexual abuse have surfaced and there is a need for further investigation before charges can be laid.

The alleged suspect in the case is a bus checker. From the information provided last week, the teenager was last seen getting on a bus from her village on Saturday but failed to return home. It is believed the suspect was known to the teenager.

In a similar offence last year, a taxi driver was charged with allegedly abducting and assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The defendant was charged with indecent assault against the victim, namely sexual conduct with a minor, and sexual violation, in connection with an alleged incident that occurred on 22 May 2024.

On 22 May 2024, the Samoa Police, Prison and Corrections Services released a request to the public for assistance in finding the victim, who was last seen at her home in the morning of the same day at around 10.

It is alleged that she was heading to the library when the perpetrator noticed her and approached her, telling her that her father had given him instructions to bring her to him.

It is alleged that the man abducted her and sexually assaulted her over two days. The teenager was found in the bushes around Vaitele in a horrid state.

The young girl had her hair cut off and was allegedly drugged.