ex-PM arrested in money-laundering probe
Mauritius ex-PM arrested in money-laundering probe
Police in Mauritius on Sunday arrested the island’s former Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, in connection with a money-laundering investigation and seized stacks of cash during raids on the homes of fellow suspects, officials said.
Officers detained the 63-year-old, along with his wife, Kobita Jugnauth, on Saturday and questioned them for several hours, police sources who requested anonymity told AFP.
Kobita Jugnauth was later released, while Pravind Jugnauth was placed under formal arrest in the early hours of Sunday.
Jugnauth’s lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, told reporters: “He gave his version of events and denied the allegations made against him.”
He added that the former prime minister would appear before a judge later on Sunday.
A police incident report seen by AFP detailed a search of another suspect’s home. The individual, who works for a local leisure company, was found in possession of documents bearing the Jugnauths’ names, luxury watches, and stacks of various currencies.
Police also searched the home of a local real estate executive and seized suitcases filled with cash, according to local media reports.
The island’s Financial Crimes Commission had issued a notice on Saturday requesting police to detain the Jugnauths and two other suspects if they attempted to leave the country, citing an ongoing money-laundering investigation.
Prime Minister from 2017 to 2024, Pravind Jugnauth belongs to one of the political dynasties that have dominated Mauritius’ leadership since the country gained independence from Britain in 1968.
He played a key role in securing a historic agreement for Mauritius to regain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands after a long-standing territorial dispute with Britain.
Jugnauth and his Militant Socialist Movement suffered a heavy defeat in the tense November elections, ceding power to centre-left rival Navin Ramgoolam, who became prime minister for the third time.
Ramgoolam’s government has since reopened negotiations over the Chagos Islands, reportedly seeking greater financial compensation and a renegotiation of the lease duration for the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.
Both Mauritius and Britain have stated that US President Donald Trump’s administration will have a say in the final terms of the agreement.
The base, currently leased by Britain to the United States, remains a key military facility for US operations in the Asia-Pacific.
During the election campaign, both parties pledged to address the cost-of-living challenges faced by Mauritians despite the country’s strong economic growth.
AFP
