French Soldiers Missing for Years Found Dead; Family Suspected in Human Trafficking Ring

The tragic deaths of two French soldiers, Jacques Pakes and Mike Gineste, have been confirmed through DNA analysis, ending years of uncertainty for their families. The soldiers, who disappeared in the French department of Var, were initially treated as deserters by military administration. However, a widening investigation now points to a sinister criminal operation involving a family suspected of systematically luring and exploiting young military recruits, particularly those from Pacific islands.

The discovery of human remains in two separate locations in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in late May 2026 provided the breakthrough. Genetic analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Pakes, a sailor from New Caledonia missing since May 2022, and Gineste, a member of the Foreign Legion from Tahiti who disappeared in May 2023. The investigation gained momentum after information was provided by one of the suspects during recent interrogations.

This development has led to the case being officially reclassified as murder and human trafficking perpetrated by an organized group. The investigation, led by the maritime gendarmerie in Toulon, is focusing on the Akau Vegi-Wing family. Investigators allege the group specifically targeted military personnel from French overseas territories newly deployed to mainland France.

According to investigators, the family allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated trap involving Tahitian parties or false accommodation offers. Victims would have their identification documents, mobile phones, and payment methods confiscated, leaving them completely under the control of their captors. This method exploited the geographical and emotional isolation of young recruits stationed thousands of miles from home. The scale of the alleged crimes could be immense, with authorities having already identified at least seven other victims between 2011 and 2024.