Police issue warning after people wrongly IDed as suspects in Wellington sex assault investigation

October 27, 2020

Police are warning against misinformation after multiple people were wrongly identified as suspects on social media amid an ongoing investigation into sexual assault allegations against three Wellington musicians. 

Police launched “Operation Emerald” last week after multiple allegations of violence, sexual assault and rape were made against three male Wellington musicians on social media. 

People alleged they’ve been drugged, raped, and harassed by the three men, who are prominent on the social scene.

Today, police asked people not to share unverified information online. 

“Since then, people who have absolutely nothing to do with the allegations have been accused of being the offenders on social media,” police said.

“We know operations like this one create significant concern in the community. This concern is absolutely warranted.

“However, we are again urging people to come to police if they have concerns and avoid sharing identifying information on social media.”

Police say the complaints they’ve received so far have been sexual in nature, serious and historic.

More than 100 accusations have been made anonymously via a public Instagram account last week.

Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel said last week police had received "a small number of complaints directly and these are currently under investigation".

"We know that coming forward to report a sexual assault can be incredibly difficult, but I want to reassure the Wellington community that we treat these reports extremely seriously," van den Heuvel said.

"Come forward, tell us your story. We will treat you with utmost respect and sensitivity."

Those with information that can help with the investigation are asked to call 105 and quote Operation Emerald.

Anyone affected by sexual violence can contact Wellington Help on their 24-hour support line: (04) 8016655. 

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