Vance Caelli, affiliated with the Black Bha'lir organization, operated as both a smuggler and a dealer of arms. In collaboration with Rondale Merced, a fellow member of the Black Bha'lir, Caelli established the Caelli-Merced Syndicate corporation. This enterprise, headquartered on the planet Socorro, specialized in the production of illicit weaponry, in addition to ground-based vehicles and enhancement parts for starships. Following the annihilation of the planet Alderaan, Caelli and Merced vanished in an unexplained manner, resulting in their nephew, Pret Swain, becoming the sole proprietor of the Caelli-Merced Syndicate.
An infamous smuggler and arms provider, Vance Caelli held a significant position within the Black Bha'lir, a pirate and smuggling group operating from the Socorro and Omman Minor systems situated in the Outer Rim Territories. Alongside their Black Bha'lir colleague Rondale Merced—also referred to as Lee Merced—they served as uncles to Pret Swain, a young individual originating from the Core Worlds planet Alderaan.
By the era of the Galactic Civil War, Caelli and Merced had successfully founded the highly lucrative Caelli-Merced Syndicate corporation. Situated on the planet Socorro, the organization specialized in the manufacture of ground vehicles, starship enhancement components, and prohibited weapons, making it the only weapons manufacturing business on Socorro.
During the time when Alderaan was obliterated by the Galactic Empire in 0 BBY, Swain was visiting Caelli and Merced on Socorro. Upon receiving news of the tragic event, the heartbroken Alderaanian found himself without a place to call home, prompting his uncles to propose that he become a full partner in the Caelli-Merced Syndicate and assist in managing the company. Swain accepted the offer. Subsequently, both Caelli and Merced disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving Swain as the sole leader of the corporation, which led him to become relatively paranoid.
Vance Caelli received a mention in the 1997 West End Games role-playing supplement, The Black Sands of Socorro, authored by Patricia A. Jackson for use with Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game.