Chinese rice company pleads government to intervene following violent assaults, extortion and alleged police obstructions
BY MORRIS NAFU
A Chinese rice company is pleading Solomon Islands government to protect its workers following violent assaults, extortion and alleged police obstruction.
South Pacific Economy and Technology Development Limited (SPETD) is engaged in what could be the largest commercial rice farm in Solomon Islands. But, its operations has been plagued by violent disturbances from individuals and alleged neglect from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) obstructing SPETD’s access to justice.
SPETD’s call for protection is a part of a bigger problem. Attacks on Chinese businesses is an ongoing problem which government has failed to address.
On December 9 last year a CCECC Chinese worker sustained serious injuries during an attempt robbery of their Kolofe campsite, northern part of Malaita Province, Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) reported.
On July 13, 2025, rocks were thrown at Chinese workers in the same campsite with signboards removed illegally.
On July 2, 2025, a worker of China Railway Construction Engineering Group Company Limited (CRCEG) was attacked in the company’s premises at the Honiara international airport during an armed robbery. The worker died on July 8 from injuries sustained.
SPETD experienced attacks on its workers, extortion, and when it reported its complaints to the Henderson police station the case files mysteriously disappeared.
From fraud to violence: a habit of crime
Long before the physical violence began, SPETD said they were targets of a sophisticated extortion scheme orchestrated by two brothers [names withheld].
The duo repeatedly blocked the access road from the Honiara-Aola Road (Kukum Highway) to Babani Road, holding the company’s operations hostage, SPETD told Island Sun.
Under this duress, the company was misled into signing two “access agreements” paying more than $30,000.
The most recent agreement was signed on September 10, 2025, inside the Henderson Police Station.
The company later discovered the land did not belong to the brothers, revealing the agreement as a fraud committed within a government facility.
“Our attempts to resolve issues peacefully were taken as a weakness and a method to extract more money,” a company spokesperson said.
“For these individuals, crime and violence have become a habit.”
The September 27 assault
The extortion escalated into physical violence just over two weeks later.
On September 27, 2025, security guard Nyson Muaki and a Chinese colleague, Yanjie Li, were intercepted by a white Hilux.
One of the brothers allegedly approached the vehicle and demanded $100 from Yanjie Li.
When refused, the man punched Li, causing dental and mandibular injuries.
Mr Muaki was also punched through the vehicle window, sustaining facial swelling and injuries to his left maxilla, SPETD spokesperson said.
Case files misplaced – Allegations of police negligence
Despite filing a report at the Henderson Police Station and providing medical evidence (Exhibit “NM 1”), the legal process has stalled.
SPETD said the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has repeatedly told them that case files were “misplaced”.
As of early 2026, no arrests have been made against the two brothers.
The company is demanding an investigation into why a fraudulent agreement was facilitated at a police station and why the subsequent violent assault has gone unpunished.
Call for government intervention
SPETD is now appealing directly to the Solomon Islands Government to help resolve the problems it is facing and to also provide protection for its workers.
The company also said it plans to stage a rally to call government to attention if it ignores its plea.
“We have been keeping silent for too long, but this is becoming unbearable.
“If a rally is needed to attract attention, we will give you a rally,”
It is understood that a new complaint file is with the Central police station, following inaction by the Henderson police station.
An officer at the Central police station spoken to yesterday could not confirm whether SPETD’s complaint has been filed.
However, Island Sun was assured more information should be made available later this week.
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