VPF Media Release

The Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) would like to confirm that they have arrested the Australian international conman Peter Foster at the weekend and he is being held in police custody in Port Vila.

Foster was staying at the home of an expatriate couple at Malapoa Estate when members of the VPF, assisted by two AFP officers involved in the ongoing VPF Capacity Building Project, arrested him in an operation at around 5am Sunday 15 January 2007. The expatriate couple was also taken to the Police Station along with Foster for further questioning.

The Magistrate Court on Sunday 14 January 2007, granted a warrant of remand for the VPF to keep Peter Foster in custody while they continue their investigations. The court reconvenes again on again at 2pm Monday 15 January 2007 to determine further application. The couples were released on bail on condition not to leave Efate Island, do not interfere with Police Investigation and to appear again on 15 January 2007. Should they contravene the condition will result on arrest and bring them before the court. 

Peter Foster is being charged with ‘prohibited Immigrant and international offence for entering the country illegally which was against the law of Vanuatu.’ The expatriate couple is being charged with ‘Harboring a prisoner.’

During the operation, Foster had resisted arrest, and attempted to escape through the rear exit of the premises, but he couldn’t because he realized the place was surrounded and the back was covered by the officers.

According to investigations, Foster’s escape from Fiji was suspected being planned, and the expatriate couple in Port Vila was suspected for being involved in the process of getting him out of Fiji.

The Police suspect that Foster was dropped off at Tamanu Beach Resort on the south eastern coast of Efate island on Monday 8^th January 2007 by the MV Retreiver 1 before sailing in to Vila harbor. The person being dropped off and was seen by employees of the resort suspected to be Peter Foster and informed the police accordingly.

Meanwhile the VPF would like to thank those law enforcement agencies and units, and those other people including the general public who have cooperated and provided information which led to the eventual arrest of Peter Foster. Under the ongoing capacity building project, the VPF is insisting on focusing on community policing. The concept would require the participation of the chiefs and other community leaders and the people.