PORT VILA (VANUATU DAILY POST) — A man allegedly found in possession of three Vanuatu passports—one diplomatic and two ordinary—is under investigation by the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) following a search operation at the Ramada Hotel in Port Vila about four weeks ago.
According to a reliable source, all three passports carried the same name. The red Diplomatic Passport (VG), along with two green ordinary passports (RV), raises concerns about identity fraud and the potential misuse of official documentation.
The two RV passports were issued on 20 June 2022 and 24 August 2022, respectively, while the Diplomatic Passport was issued on 6 August 2024.
The VPF confirmed in a press release issued on 27 March that the investigation is ongoing. The statement referenced Section 130B of the Penal Code Act [CAP 135], which deals with deception for financial gain.
“The act of deceiving someone to obtain money is addressed under the Penal Code Act [CAP 135], Section 130B,” the police statement read.
“Section 130B(1) states that a person must not deceive another person to obtain money, something of value, or any other financial advantage. The penalty for this offence is 12 years’ imprisonment.”
It was alleged that the suspect deceived a friend by claiming he could facilitate the issuance of a Vanuatu diplomatic passport in exchange for money.
Since the search four weeks ago, little information has been released, with some sources claiming the case has been kept confidential due to the individual’s connections to high-level figures. However, the VPF informed the Daily Post this week that the case remains under investigation.
The Daily Post contacted Ramada Hotel for comment, but due to company policy, they cannot disclose information regarding their customers. They also denied that any search or raid occurred at the hotel.
It is alleged that following the confiscation of the passports, the man is believed to have been rendered stateless, with no other valid identity documents.
The case raises concerns regarding the issuance and management of Vanuatu passports, particularly diplomatic ones. It also raises questions about transparency and accountability, especially when individuals with political or social influence are involved….PACNEWS