10 May 2005

Questions raised whether private Vanuatu security firm is registered

12:55 pm on 10 May 2005

Vanuatu's Finance Service Commission director, George Andrews, remains tightlipped on whether a private security firm is registered.

The acting police commissioner, Major Arthur Caulton, says he's asked the commission to investigate the firm that he says aims to recruit former ni-Vanuatu police officers for service with the United Nations.

Major Caulton says the firm's director, Michael Taun, has missed several appointments to give details about the company, Human Investigation Protection Property Investment or HIPPI.

Mr Taun reportedly runs the firm with two Australian nationals.

The ni-Vanuatu Business Centre and the Foreign Investment Promotion Authority say they have no records of the firm.