The Vanuatu Police Force has launched an investigation into allegations that a foreign-based individual defrauded another person of a substantial sum of money in a scheme involving a Vanuatu diplomatic passport.

According to police reports, the suspect allegedly convinced the victim to hand over a significant amount of money under the belief that they would receive a Vanuatu diplomatic passport. When the passport was not delivered, the victim filed a complaint, prompting the investigation.

Sources indicate that the amount involved in the alleged scam is approximately half a million vatu (500 million vatu).

On Wednesday, police questioned an individual linked to the case as part of their ongoing inquiries.

Police said Section 130B of the Penal Code Act [CAP 135], stated that the use of false information and fraudulent financial activities is unlawful and anybody who is involved in such activity could face up to 12 years in prison.