BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A Chinese national arrested in Noro, Western Province, could hold crucial information that may help investigators uncover the truth behind the activities of the suspicious vessel ‘MV Wealth’.
Island Sun has learnt from multiple well-placed sources that a joint team comprising of Honiara-based police investigators and officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Western Province is actively pursuing leads linked to the vessel.
According to sources, the Chinese national is currently in police custody in Noro [last week], where he is being questioned in connection with ongoing investigations.
A well-placed source told Island Sun that the man is believed to be one of the crew members of a fast craft that arrived at Marina Wharf near Noro on May 8 before departing four days later.
The source said the fast craft entered Noro Passage from the east through the Foskey Passage before heading directly to Marina Wharf.
“It raced to Marina Wharf, but we thought it was just another boat. It was only later that we received reports alleging the vessel was connected to the issues surrounding MV Wealth.
“We responded, but the boat had already left. Fortunately, one person believed to be one of the crew members was arrested,” the source said.
Another source claimed the fast craft entered Western Province without prior notification or clearance from Customs and Immigration authorities.
According to the source, immigration and customs officers stationed in Western Province were only informed of the vessel’s arrival days after it had already departed Marina Wharf.
“Based on the information we received, the boat came to Marina Wharf for quick repairs. Someone may have tipped off the crew, forcing the vessel to leave earlier than planned, which may explain why the Chinese national was left behind.
“There are many stories circulating about how and why he was left behind, but the only confirmed information we have is that the boat departed without him,” the source said.
Island Sun was also informed that investigators were facing challenges as the suspect was unable to communicate well.
Investigators were seeking assistance from local Chinese businessmen to help with translations.
A local Chinese Businessman who requested anonymity said the suspect has continues to change his testimonies.
“This person is changing his stories so I want the police to make him tell the truth to ensure they have all what they need to solve this issue,” the businessman said.
The developments have raised concerns over Solomon Islands’ maritime border security and the country’s vulnerability to transnational criminal activities.
Sources say the incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen border surveillance and improve the operational capacity of Customs and Immigration officers stationed throughout the country.
“The MV Wealth case serves as a reminder that Solomon Islands remains exposed and vulnerable to organised transnational crime operating across the Pacific,” one source said.
According to previous media reports, authorities have been monitoring MV Wealth since April after intelligence agencies detected suspicious movements and activities believed to be consistent with organised criminal operations at sea.
The investigation involved cooperation with the Australian Border Force, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and other regional law enforcement partners, all of whom reportedly became suspicious of the vessel’s activities.
RSIPF Maritime has said the Belize-flagged cargo ship is suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, tobacco smuggling and other forms of maritime transnational crime.
Police have reported that 19 crew members, believed to be nationals of China, Indonesia and the Philippines, were taken into custody after the vessel was intercepted.
MV Wealth is a Belize-flagged general cargo vessel measuring approximately 98 metres in length with a carrying capacity of about 6,100 deadweight tonnes. The vessel was built in 2010 and, according to maritime databases, was sold in February 2026 before assuming its current identity.
Intelligence assessments have suggested there is a strong possibility that the vessel may have been used to transport illicit cargo to destinations across the Pacific, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and potentially Australia.
Investigators are also examining the movements of the suspected support vessel and fast craft that reportedly entered Noro Marina Wharf between May 8 and May 12 without the knowledge or clearance of Customs, Immigration or police authorities.
Authorities believe the Chinese national left behind during that period may provide valuable information that could help establish the movements and activities of the support vessel and any possible links to alleged illicit cargo transfers.
Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
Photo: Supplied
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