Two airport robbery suspects released on VT200,000 bail

January 15, 2026 10:01 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

The Magistrates Court has granted bail to two people accused of involvement in the recent armed robbery at the Port Vila International Airport Cargo Terminal.

Junior Silas Rouard and Annis Jacobe Rouard appeared in court on 13 January 2026 before Senior Magistrate Kibeon Harrison Nimbwen. Both are accused in connection with the airport robbery, which involved AUD600,000, equivalent to approximately VT49.8 million.

The prosecution stated that Junior Rouard may also be linked to another theft, while Annis Rouard is alleged to have assisted by conducting surveillance prior to the crime.

The court heard urgent bail applications for both suspects, which were not opposed by the Public Prosecutor. Bail was granted with strict conditions, and each suspect paid VT100,000, bringing the total bond to VT200,000.

Under the bail conditions, neither suspect is allowed to leave Efate Island or participate in any Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme programme. They must not contact or interfere with any witnesses, including the main complainant, and must reside at their fixed addresses—Junior Rouard at Malapoa Estate and Annis Rouard at Nambatu. Both are required to surrender their passports or any other travel documents to the court.

Junior Rouard and Annis Rouard will each be supervised by a surety and must report to the Central Police Station in Port Vila every Friday between 8.00am and 4.30pm. Additionally, Junior Rouard is prohibited from entering his workplace and must stay at least 100 metres away from his office and any branch in Port Vila.

Both suspects are required to appear in court for further hearings. The Magistrates Court warned that any breach of bail conditions will result in immediate arrest and cancellation of bail. The court emphasised the seriousness of the case and ordered that all conditions must be strictly observed until the matter is resolved.

Six other suspects involved in the same case remain on remand at the High Risk Correctional Centre.