Superyacht detained by police
Four arrested during investigation into money laundering and arms trading
A superyacht has been detained and four people arrested as part of a police investigation into money laundering and arms trading.
Police in Vanuatu confirmed that the skipper of 75m Phocea has been arrested along with three others. No other details of the investigation have been released.
Vanuatu police believe the superyacht was involved in smuggling high-powered arms, money laundering and breaching related laws of maritime borders, stuff.co.nz claims.
Radio New Zealand International reports that police found a substance suspected to be opium on board.
It’s claimed that Phocea’s owner, Anh Quan Saken, tried to stop officals from carrying out their search of the superyacht.
The four arrested appeared in court today, but the outcome is not yet known. Police say the investigation continues.