Australian conman Peter Foster can expect a jail term and a steep fine in Vanuatu if found guilty of illegal entry into the South Pacific nation, police say.
And Foster's woes may not end with a stint in a Vanuatu jail, with other countries likely to seek hisextradition to face further charges, Superintendent Willie Ben Kalo, of the Vanuatu Police Force, said.
Foster was due to face court in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila on immigration-related charges today following his arrest in a dawn raid yesterday.
He was arrested after jumping bail in Fiji while facing fraud charges and apparently escaping to Vanuatu by ship.
Supt Kalo said Foster, 44, tried to escape out of the back window when officers surrounded a home in Port Vila and tried to break free from police when cornered.
Following a struggle, police put him in a car and took him into custody, Supt Kalo said.
Foster appeared before a court in Port Vila yesterday charged with illegal entry into the country and was remanded to appear again today.
Supt Kalo said Foster would likely face jail and a large fine if convicted.
Last night Foster asked to see a doctor, claiming he was suffering headaches and sore eyes, but an examination revealed no problems, he said.
Foster has been a fugitive since skipping bail in Fiji last week, where he was facing charges including that of using a forged Queensland Police Service certificate about his criminal history to get a work permit.
A spokesman for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said Foster was also wanted in the Federated States of Micronesia, after authorities in that country last week asked for help in investigating a US$580,000 ($851,190) fraud.
The spokesman could not comment on reports AFP officers were involved in the raid when Foster was captured.
Also arrested with Foster were Wayne and Susan Furness, who have been charged with aiding and abetting the fugitive.
Supt Kalo said the pair could face further charges, including possession of pornography, and were due to appear before court today.
