Chinese public security authorities uncovered an alleged gambling operation that ran inside Vanuatu’s Consulate General in Guangzhou for four months in 2025, according to a diplomatic letter cited by the Vanuatu Daily Post.
The letter said a criminal gang allegedly established gambling rooms inside the consular premises between January and April 2025.
Gambling tables, equipment and chips were provided inside the consulate, while multiple individuals were allegedly organised and recruited to enter the premises to gamble, according to the document.
The letter, sent by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Embassy of Vanuatu in Beijing, was dated September 15th, 2025. It said the criminal investigation was continuing at that time.
China asked the Vanuatu government to explain how its consular premises came to be used as an alleged gambling venue and to determine whether any consular officials or employees were involved.
The letter also reminded Vanuatu of its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which prohibits consular premises from being used for purposes incompatible with consular functions.
The allegations have now prompted Vanuatu’s opposition to file a report with the Ombudsman, a constitutional watchdog responsible for investigating suspected misconduct and maladministration by public officials and government agencies.
The opposition claimed that Vanuatu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade received the Chinese letter but failed to respond for an extended period.
It also raised questions about Consul General Jacques Himford, claiming he was removed from the position before later being reinstated. The Daily Post report did not indicate whether Himford or any other consular employee had been formally accused of involvement in the alleged gambling activities.
The Ombudsman’s Office confirmed that it had received the opposition’s report and was assessing whether further inquiries were warranted.
Vanuatu’s foreign ministry told the newspaper that the matter had been resolved in 2025 but did not disclose what action was taken or when it formally responded to China.
