One thing that comes to mind is that a Vigilante can only land on Freelance, IMG, BHG, Zoner, and Neutral bases. Kingfisher, for example, is on Manhattan, which brings to the fact that a Vigilante was using outside sources to get his stuff, Rpable, but really can see some problems there.
A base I found has the V1B Viper (it was called that in 4.84, They changed the name "Viper" on it), its labeled as Civilian now. As far as ties go, the Base was either IMG or Zoner, being a freeport, and i've yet to see the unlawful ties the thing might pertain to, or any reason a vigilante couldn't get the ship. It's also pretty decent which is why i bring it up.