What began as a suspension from professional surfing has become a formal criminal investigation in French Polynesia.

Authorities in Tahiti have opened an inquiry into allegations that a 16-year-old Australian girl was sexually assaulted at a private gathering following August’s World Surf League Championship Tour event at Teahupo’o. Mexican Olympian Alan Cleland Jr., 24, is among four men reportedly implicated.

According to Polynésie La 1ère , French Polynesia’s gendarmerie is investigating. The alleged victim first filed a complaint in New South Wales, Australia, which authorities forwarded to prosecutors in Papeete.…