RVIPF Intensifies Probe and Launches Manhunt for
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed a territory-wide investigation into a string of linked robberies and says detectives have found physical connections between incidents from Long Bay to Oasis and other locations. In a new development, the force told VINO it is leading an "intense & comprehensive manhunt" for two men described as armed and dangerous, boosting port, road and marine security and working with USVI authorities to restrict movement and apprehend the fugitives.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed an active, territory-wide investigation into a series of robberies that investigators believe are linked and may have been carried out by an organised group, the force said in a press release issued on Thursday, October 23, 2025 (VINO).
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Dariel Robinson told reporters that detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have established a physical link between separate offences. Police say a vehicle stolen during a robbery at Long Bay, Beef Island, was later used in the Oasis incident — a connection set out in the RVIPF release and subsequently reported by local broadcasters Jahphix Television (JTV) and BVI News.
Investigators are also probing reported robberies at the Touchdown Bar and La Cachet, with detectives reviewing CCTV footage from multiple locations to piece together movements between scenes. The RVIPF said it is awaiting ballistic and forensic test results to determine whether weapons recovered from suspects are connected to those incidents.
In a separate development earlier in the enquiry, CID officers arrested two males in connection with a July robbery reported at Pier Park, Tortola. The force confirmed both individuals were interviewed and subsequently released pending further investigation, according to the VINO statement and coverage by BVI News.
It has not been confirmed publicly whether those men are linked to the suspects now being sought. The police have stepped up visible patrols as enquiries continue. The Armed Response Unit (ARU) has increased its presence across the Territory through proactive patrols, operational checks and school-based safety exercises aimed at bolstering public confidence and preparedness.
Police emphasised that, although no weapons have been recovered during ARU operations to date, the continued presence is intended to support safer communities. New information from a VINO press release adds a significant escalation: the RVIPF says two men remain at large and are considered to be armed and dangerous.
Acting Commissioner of Police (Ag.) Jacqueline E. Vanterpool said, "We are leading an intense and comprehensive manhunt in collaboration with local and international agencies with the sole intention of finding these individuals and returning them to custody as swiftly as possible." She added the force is "working to systematically restrict their movement within and out of the Territory" and stressed that community protection and safe apprehension are the priority.
The RVIPF said it has engaged the USVI Police Department (VIPD) and is bolstering security at all ports of entry, private docks and other possible departure points. Vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks and mobile patrols are underway and the Marine Unit remains actively engaged in patrols throughout strategic areas of territorial waters.
The force urged residents not to approach the suspects and to report any sightings immediately. Anyone with information that could assist ongoing investigations or who sees anything suspicious is asked to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or 311, or Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) locally or +1 284-800-8477 from overseas.
The RVIPF thanked the public for cooperation and urged continued vigilance while detectives follow leads across the Territory.
Primary source: VINO