French national refused entry to Vanuatu
January 19, 2026 10:18 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Hilaire Bule.
At around 4pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026, immigration personnel at Port Vila International Airport escorted a French national, Jerome Marcelin, upon his arrival and returned him to the departure area to board the same Fiji Airways flight back to his country of origin, France.
Mr. Marcelin, known as ‘Boss’ to his financial contributors in Vanuatu, mainly in Port Vila, is alleged to be involved in scam activities in the country.
While being escorted back to the departure area by immigration officials, Mr. Marcelin and his contributors told Border Control staff that he needed to remain in the country to meet Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat to brief him about his scheme, Api La Savate, which is alleged to be a pyramid scheme. Api La Savate is also the name of another French national, originating from the French territory of Wallis and Futuna, who is alleged to be Mr. Marcelin’s right-hand man.
A report from the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Prime Minister, Kiery Manassah, said the Office of the Prime Minister has no knowledge of Mr. Marcelin.
“It is easy for anyone to use the name of someone like the Prime Minister to hide their intentions. The PM is not in the country, so how could someone make an appointment to meet him while he is away?” Mr. Manassah said.
Mr. Marcelin is also alleged to have planned meetings with other Vanuatu officials and to visit his members in Luganville this week.
He is believed to be based in Dubai, but his air ticket showed travel from France to Dubai, then Dubai–Nadi, and Nadi–Port Vila.
Police reported that some of the financial contributors were brought to their office yesterday and were informed that Mr. La Savate is alleged to have defrauded the government of French Polynesia and is wanted by authorities. Police also said that Mr. La Savate and Mr. Marcelin entered Vanuatu under tourist visas and do not have the right to engage in business activities in the country.
Mr. La Savate does not have an office in Port Vila, but police said he has carried out business activities from a hotel room.
Since the establishment of the Api La Savate scheme at the end of last year, police reported that ni-Vanuatu contributors have already paid more than VT20 million.
Police also reported that more than 2,000 people from Vanuatu have joined the scheme, and the number continues to increase. The Vanuatu Daily Post understands that among the more than 2,000 contributors are well-known members of society.
It is alleged that Mr. La Savate operates the business from a hotel room in Port Vila through an international online platform.
The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) told the Vanuatu Daily Post that online businesses in Vanuatu are regulated and must be registered.
Police and the VFSC said that if the scheme is not registered, its operation is illegal under Vanuatu law, and contributors will need to seek refunds.
Police investigations into Api La Savate in Vanuatu continue.
