This is my second blog post about OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) and why Vanuatu urgently needs to modernize its intelligence and screening systems.
I’ve already written about how OSINT tools could help improve our national security and intelligence capabilities. This week, recent events brought a very real example to light: someone under serious international criminal investigation was granted Vanuatu citizenship.
A Serious Oversight in Our Citizenship Program
In recent years, Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has brought in vital revenue. But it’s also brought risks — and this case makes that painfully clear.
The individual in question received Vanuatu citizenship during the same period they were under investigation internationally for serious crimes including:
- Rape
- Human trafficking
- Organized crime
All of this was public knowledge.
Their online behavior and social media posts were raising red flags globally. Law enforcement agencies abroad were reportedly monitoring the case. Yet, somehow, the vetting process here failed to flag it.
Did the FIU Miss This or Was It Ignored?
Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is responsible for screening applicants for criminal records, financial risks, and reputational concerns.
In this case, the red flags were not hidden. They were loud and obvious.
This wasn’t a failure to conduct a deep investigation — it was a failure to properly check publicly available information.
An uncomfortable question arises: Did the FIU truly miss these red flags — or did it overlook them due to financial incentives involved in the citizenship program? There may be concerns that the process was compromised, or that money was prioritized over integrity.
What About the Recent Commission of Inquiry?
Recently, there was a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into Vanuatu’s passport and citizenship programs. However, it is unclear whether this inquiry fully covered the technology and intelligence aspects of the screening and investigation processes.
If it did not, then the lessons from this incident remain unaddressed.
Why OSINT Matters Now More Than Ever
OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) is intelligence gathered from publicly available sources. Governments, financial institutions, and security agencies worldwide use OSINT tools to:
- Analyze public behavior and social media
- Identify reputational risks
- Track criminal investigations
- Scan for political, social, or financial red flags
If our FIU had used basic OSINT platforms, this case would likely have been caught. The key question is — why weren’t these tools employed?
What Needs to Change in Vanuatu
To prevent future scandals and protect our national reputation, immediate reforms are necessary:
- Modernize the FIU
Equip them with OSINT tools, AI scanning, and real-time social media analysis. - Reputational Risk = Disqualification
Even without convictions, publicly damaging behavior should be grounds for denial. - Strengthen International Partnerships
Collaborate closely with Interpol, EUROPOL, and regional intelligence agencies for data sharing and alerts. - Audit Past Approvals
Review controversial citizenship grants. Revoke any issued without proper vetting. - Transparency Builds Trust
Publish anonymized rejection statistics and screening reports to show the system works.
Final Thoughts
Citizenship is not a product to be sold — it is an identity and a trust.
When citizenship is granted without proper checks, it invites media scandals and risks international backlash including visa restrictions, sanctions, and loss of investor confidence.
This case is a clear warning. We have the tools to prevent a repeat. It’s time to use them seriously.
💬 Join the conversation:
What do you think Vanuatu should do to protect its reputation? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Mattdotvu can support government agencies, financial institutions, and oversight bodies in Vanuatu that want to adopt or improve their use of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools and practices.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance existing systems, we offer guidance, training, and practical solutions to help you screen smarter and act faster.
Contact us to learn more.
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