Christian Tein, considered to be the head of the Cellule de coordination des actions de terrain (CCAT) and accused of orchestrating the riots in New Caledonia, was arrested on 19 June. He is due to be detained in Mulhouse, Haut-Rhin

Christian Tein, the pro-independence leader suspected by the authorities of masterminding the riots in New Caledonia, is to be remanded in custody in mainland France, his lawyer announced on Saturday 22 June following his indictment in Noumea.

Prosecutor Yves Dupas confirmed to AFP that it had been decided to transfer the detainees to mainland France, without providing further details, following closed-door appearances before a liberty and custody judge (JLD).

These transfers notably concern Christian Tein, identified as the head of the CCAT. He is to be imprisoned in Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin), according to his lawyer, Pierre Ortent.

Brenda Wanabo, head of communications for the CCAT, is also concerned. She is due to be transferred to Dijon prison, according to her lawyer, Thomas Gruet.

Christian Tein was brought before an examining magistrate in Noumea on Saturday. He was arrested with ten other people

The previous Wednesday, eleven people had been arrested and placed in police custody as part of an investigation into the alleged instigators of the violence that has erupted in the archipelago since 12 May 2024, according to Nouméa prosecutor Yves Dupas.

The investigation is into criminal conspiracy, armed robbery in an organised gang, and complicity by instigation in the murder or attempted murder of persons acting in an official capacity, he added.

Christian Tein had contacted the gendarmerie to surrender himself to the investigators and explain the charges against him, according to Yves Dupas.

Since the initial violence on 13 May, the CCAT has been accused by the authorities of being behind the unrest. It has been described as a “mafia-type organisation” by the French Minister for the Interior and Overseas Territories, Gérald Darmanin. The pro-independence group has always denied responsibility for the unrest.