Vanuatu Police Force is facing growing pressure when responding to cyber-related crimes, as new reports show a sharp increase in technology-facilitated abuse.

Sergeant Jeff Natapei, head of the VPF Cyber Crime Unit, says police lack the specialist training needed to handle these cases effectively.

“These skills are not taught in the Vanuatu Police Force. We need technical advisors to guide investigators or trained officers who can provide long-term support to the unit,” he said.

The concern follows growing criticism from the public, including the Coordinator of the Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC), Tatavola Matas, who says many cases are being neglected.

“I even knocked on the door of the Cyber Unit asking where my son’s bullying case is. We’re trying to follow up, but nothing is happening,” Matas said. “If that’s what happens with someone who knows how the system works, imagine the experience of women who don’t.”

Another major challenge is the country’s outdated legal framework. Senior Sergeant Mark Willie from the Family Protection Unit says the existing Cyber Crime Act is ineffective.

“Our current law isn’t working. We’ve already made recommendations, but we’re still waiting on government approval,” he said.

As more people access mobile phones and the internet, police say the number of victims is rising — and so is the urgency to equip officers and update legislation to keep up with modern crime trends.