French Polynesia Opens Investigation Into Alleged Sexual Assault Following Tahiti Pro
After weeks of uncertainty, authorities confirm a criminal investigation into the allegations.
You can read our previous premium story on this situation here.
Reportedly, French Polynesian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old Australian girl during a private gathering in Teahupo’o on August 15, following the World Surf League’s Tahiti Pro.
The development marks a significant turn in a case that has already prompted suspensions, severed sponsorships, widespread outrage, and uncomfortable questions about the culture of professional surfing, but until recently had no publicly confirmed criminal investigation.
As first reported by Nick Carroll at Surfing World, the Papeete Public Prosecutor’s Office is now overseeing the investigation, with authorities examining allegations that could constitute rape under French Polynesian law.
Acting public prosecutor Stephanie Pradelle declined to identify individuals connected to the investigation, citing the preliminary nature of proceedings.
“We are only at the beginning of this investigation, and our legal system is governed by the principle of the presumption of innocence,” she told Surfing World. “I can confirm that an investigation has been opened for rape and sexual assault following a complaint recently received by the Papeete prosecutor’s office,” she said
The confirmation follows several weeks of apparent jurisdictional confusion between Australian and French Polynesian authorities.
When Stab had initially contacted the Australian Federal Police for our October 15 report, a spokesperson responded: “This is not a matter for the AFP. Enquiries should be directed to local authorities.”
French Polynesia’s Public Prosecutor’s Office was equally unequivocal at the time: “No investigation is currently underway in French Polynesia.”
A spokesperson for the National Police of French Polynesia separately told us: “We have no information regarding this matter.”
Since then, diplomatic and law enforcement communication between the two countries appears to have resolved at least some of the uncertainty surrounding responsibility for the case. The teenager and her family initially reported the allegations to New South Wales Police, before Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade became involved through its consular channels.
Whether the investigation will result in criminal charges remains unknown.
24-year-old Mexican Olympian and former Championship Tour surfer Alan Cleland Jr is one of four connected with the allegations.
Three other men have also been publicly named in allegations surrounding the gathering: Australian surfer Tiaan Cronje, 24, and surf photographers Ryan “Chachi” Craig and Dom Mosqueira, both in their 40s.
Stab previously contacted all four men for comment but received no response. Widespread reports suggest they have all departed the island of Tahiti. Their precise roles have not been officially established, and authorities have not publicly identified any of them as suspects or announced criminal charges.
Cleland has nevertheless faced substantial professional consequences.
Both the World Surf League (WSL) and International Surfing Association (ISA) have suspended him from competition, while sponsors including Quiksilver, Monster Energy, Goodr Eyewear and Timmy Patterson have ended their relationships with the surfer. He has also parted ways with his management company, THE TEAM.
Those decisions were made independently of any criminal proceedings and do not establish guilt.
The case has since developed into a broader examination of misconduct and accountability within professional surfing. Following the initial allegations, Cleland’s former girlfriend, Noah Klapp, publicly accused him of sexual, physical and verbal abuse during their relationship.
“He [Al] often pinned me down on the bed, grabbing my wrists with all his strength,” Klapp wrote in a detailed Instagram statement describing what she alleged was a coercive and abusive relationship.
Her accusations are separate from the events allegedly occurring in Tahiti.
Other prominent members of the surfing community have raised concerns about the industry’s apparent tolerance of inappropriate behaviour.
Julia Muniz, wife of Championship Tour surfer Jack Robinson, alleged that she had previously confronted an older man she associated with the controversy over inappropriate comments involving underage girls.
“I’ve shared with many people in the industry and no one ever did anything and kept working with this man,” she wrote.
Muniz did not identify the individual in the statement obtained by Stab.
In Tahiti, the reaction has extended beyond those directly implicated.
Local surfer Lorenzo Tahiti issued a public condemnation of disrespectful behaviour by visiting surfers, calling on those who host international athletes to take greater responsibility for their conduct.
“Let slide little things then slowly enough big shit happens,” he wrote.
His statement was subsequently shared by prominent Tahitian surfers, including Matahi Drollet.
The response reflects a wider frustration within a community that welcomes the international surfing industry each year, but has limited influence over the conduct of visiting professionals outside organised competition.
For the individuals accused, the question of criminal responsibility remains entirely unresolved. No convictions have been recorded, and the presumption of innocence applies.
However, the latest development represents something more consequential than another round of professional sanctions or public statements. After weeks of uncertainty, there is now a formally acknowledged criminal investigation.
Should French Polynesian prosecutors file charges against Alan Cleland Jr. and any of the three other men, bringing them before a Tahitian court could prove considerably more complicated than establishing jurisdiction over the alleged offence.
As part of the French Republic, French Polynesia can rely on France’s extradition agreements with Mexico, Australia, the United States and Canada — the four countries associated with the men named in public accounts.
However, securing their extradition would require separate legal proceedings in whichever countries they are located, potentially taking months or even years. Each individual could contest extradition through the courts, while Mexican law places additional restrictions on the surrender of its own nationals, although such transfers remain legally possible.
Under French criminal procedure, serious offences are generally subject to a judicial investigation, during which an investigating judge examines evidence both for and against the accused before determining whether the case should proceed to trial.
The four men would not necessarily be tried together. Their individual alleged involvement would need to be established, and separate proceedings could follow depending on the evidence, charges and outcome of any extradition requests.
If rape charges were pursued, the case could ultimately be heard before the cour d’assises in Papeete, although the appropriate court would depend on the specific charges and applicable procedures.
Crucially, extradition would not be a prerequisite for the investigation to advance. French Polynesian authorities could continue gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and cooperating with foreign law enforcement agencies while any extradition proceedings were underway.
Stab will continue to follow developments as French Polynesian authorities proceed with their inquiries. The teenager’s identity has been withheld to protect her privacy.
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