Tonga Police have apprehended a 49-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, both residents of Halaleva, in connection with a housebreaking incident involving the theft of valuable Koloa Faka-Tonga—traditional Tongan cultural items—worth an estimated $20,300.
The arrests were made by the Crime Investigation Unit’s Property Squad after a 38-year-old woman filed a complaint.
Investigations uncovered that the stolen Koloa Faka-Tonga had been sold to a vendor at Talamahu Market, who acknowledged purchasing the items but stated they had already been resold.
Authorities also discovered that some of the stolen goods were allegedly shipped to New Zealand, with ties to a Tongan-operated money-lending business.
Police have since secured the items, which are now being processed for repatriation to Tonga.
The two suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court on 4 August 2025 to face charges related to the theft.
Tonga Police are urging the public to exercise caution when purchasing cultural or high-value items to avoid inadvertently acquiring stolen property.
Communities are encouraged to report any suspicious activities linked to housebreaking or the illegal trade of cultural artefacts.
