A man and a woman from Halaleva in Tongatapu were arrested during a police investigation into housebreaking and the theft of Tongan koloa valued at $20,300 pa'anga.

Tonga Police said the arrests were made yesterday by officers from the Crime Investigation Unit's Property Squad, following a complaint lodged by a 38-year-old female.

A 49-year-old male and a 40-year-old female were arrested.

Police said their investigations revealed that the stolen koloa was sold to a female vendor at the Talamahu Market in Nuku'alofa,, who confirmed the purchase but noted the items had been resold.

"Further inquiries indicate that some of the stolen goods were allegedly shipped to New Zealand, linked to a Tongan operated money lending business," Tonga Police stated.

Police confirmed the items had been located and were now scheduled for return to Tonga.

The two accused remain in police custody, and were scheduled to appear in court on 4 August 2025.

Tonga Police urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing goods, particularly cultural items or high value items to avoid unknowingly acquiring stolen property.

“Communities are also encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to housebreaking or the unlawful trade of cultural items,” they said.