Pravind Jugnauth, former Prime Minister of Mauritius, has been arrested on money laundering charges following a series of investigations by the FCC, which discovered 114 million rupees during raids. His lawyer stated that Jugnauth denies the provisional charges, linking the arrest to a broader audit of public finances initiated by current Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam after last year’s election.
Former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, has been arrested on charges of money laundering after an investigation by the state-run Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). The arrest took place following extensive searches across various locations including Jugnauth’s residence, where authorities discovered and seized 114 million Mauritian Rupees (approximately USD 2.4 million). The arrest is seen as part of a broader inquiry into the misuse of public finances, initiated by the current Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam.
Jugnauth’s lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, stated that his client had been provisionally charged and denied the allegations of money laundering. This incident follows Ramgoolam’s announcement last year concerning an audit of public finances, initiated shortly after he took office and raised concerns about financial data from the previous administration. The investigation comes in the wake of increased scrutiny on the former government, which has been accused of financial irregularities.
Moreover, a recent related incident involved the detention of Mauritius’ former central bank governor, who was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud but later released on bail. Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is recognized as an offshore financial hub that connects Africa and Asia. The present political climate indicates a shift towards accountability and transparency in governance noteworthy for the region.
Pravind Jugnauth’s arrest marks a significant event in Mauritian politics, highlighting ongoing investigations into financial misconduct within the previous government. The substantial sum of money seized reinforces the concerns over public finance management, while Ramgoolam’s governance is seen as a move towards greater financial accountability in the country. Such developments could reshape the future of Mauritius’s political and economic landscape.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
