6 Chinese arrested in Port Vila

Vanuatu Police arrested six Chinese nationals during an operation on Thursday.

Confirmed reports from the Ministry of Internal Affairs said the raid was made during a normal joint Immigration Services and Police task force operation.

The 6 Chinese nationals are now in police custody waiting to be handed over to Chinese authorities

The suspects who have Vanuatu passports were reportedly identified by Chinese authorities of allegedly operating an illegal internet-based scam from Port Vila.

The arrest was made with the support of the new INTERPOL office in Vanuatu.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat said it is important to safeguard the integrity and sovereignty of Vanuatu.

He said this is a normal process of work every time there is something suspicious and in line with Section 53 of the Immigration Act, which warrants him to issue ministerial orders to be implemented by the Immigration and police officers.