VT780,000 charter flight for main airport robbery suspect

January 6, 2026 10:09 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now Twitter Facebook

By Hilaire Bule.

The Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) had to charter one of Air Taxi Vanuatu’s private aircraft yesterday to fly back the main suspect, who allegedly masterminded the biggest robbery in Vanuatu’s history in broad daylight — AUD600,000, equivalent to VT49 million.

In a small town like Port Vila, news travels fast. By around 10am, many curious people had gathered at the car park and domestic arrivals area of Port Vila International Airport, attempting to capture photos of the suspect on their cell phones.

Tight security by the VPF and Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) ensured that the suspect could not be photographed by mainstream media or posted on social media.

The aircraft landed around 11:30am, and police and airport authorities instructed the plane to stop near the hangar to prevent public access to the suspect.

A police cage truck and another vehicle escorted the suspect from the aircraft to the convoy, while officers at the domestic arrivals exit cleared the area for the convoy’s departure.

The convoy, led by three police motorcycles, left the airport and passed through a gate at the corner of the Airports Vanuatu Limited building to access the main road leading to UNELCO’s premises in Tagabe.

Members of the public who had gathered at the airport did not see the suspect, who also did not get the opportunity to view the site of the robbery, which occurred at around 11:59am on 29 December 2025 at the Port Vila International Airport Cargo Terminal.

Reliable sources said the VPF had to charter a plane due to concerns about passenger safety on commercial Air Vanuatu flights. Air Taxi Vanuatu confirmed that the total cost to charter the aircraft to Santo and back was VT780,000.

The main suspect in the airport robbery is believed to be a former member of the French Foreign Legion. He was on the run until police spotted him near Banban in Santo and arrested him on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

The alleged involvement of a well-trained former French soldier in Vanuatu’s biggest robbery has raised questions about airport security, which includes CCTV cameras, on-site security personnel, and a police post.

While investigations continue, some questions may only be answered at the conclusion of police inquiries. However, there are misunderstandings circulating, largely from ignorance, particularly regarding foreign currency transfers.

Why FEXCO moves foreign currency

Foreign currency often accumulates in banks and with FEXCO as overseas visitors and seasonal workers bring money into the country. This currency must be converted into vatu for local use. When demand for foreign currency is low, a surplus builds. To manage this surplus, FEXCO transfers the excess back to countries such as Australia, where it can be deposited in banks.

FEXCO’s role is purely as a currency trader. They use their foreign capital to purchase vatu from local sources and, when needed, use the accumulated vatu to buy foreign currency at lower rates. Once they have enough, the foreign currency is sent back overseas. This process is routine and has no connection to theft or fraud.

Investigations continue

The reason for the robbery is still under investigation. Reliable sources said the robbers were well-organised and may have connections within both private and government sectors.

One suspect arrested in Port Vila earlier this week is believed to be employed by a government department at the airport.

Sources also allege that the suspects have connections in Santo and other islands. Witnesses in Banban reported seeing the main suspect with a family near Banban School after escaping from Port Vila.

Police in Port Vila have sent investigators to assist their counterparts in Luganville to determine whether the robbery in Port Vila has links to Santo.

The Vanuatu Daily Post was informed that one of the suspects arrested in Port Vila is originally from Pentecost but was raised in Luganville.