Former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, was arrested early on Sunday on charges of money laundering, according to the state-run Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). The arrest follows a series of investigations and searches carried out by detectives at various locations, including Jugnauth’s residence, the FCC confirmed.
Commission spokesperson Ibrahim Rossaye stated that authorities found and seized cash totaling $2.4 million at a business connected to Jugnauth. The business, which has not been named, is reportedly linked to the former prime minister’s personal and political dealings.
Jugnauth, who served as Mauritius’ Prime Minister from 2017 until his electoral defeat in November 2019, has denied the allegations. His lawyer confirmed on Sunday that the former prime minister had been provisionally charged and maintained his innocence. The lawyer emphasized that the arrest was politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to discredit Jugnauth following his party’s defeat in the recent general elections.
Jugnauth led the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), which suffered a decisive loss in the November 2019 elections, ending his tenure as the head of government. The new Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, who took office after the election, wasted no time in launching a public finances audit. The audit is seen as part of Ramgoolam’s broader effort to examine the fiscal records of the previous administration. In a statement last month, Ramgoolam expressed concerns about the accuracy of certain government financial data compiled under Jugnauth’s leadership.
The arrest of Jugnauth comes on the heels of other significant legal actions. Last month, the former Governor of the Bank of Mauritius was detained and later released on bail after being charged with conspiracy to commit fraud. The investigation into Jugnauth’s financial dealings is part of a larger probe into corruption and mismanagement of state funds during his time in office.
Pravind Jugnauth’s arrest has sent shockwaves through Mauritius, with many questioning the broader implications for the country’s political and economic stability. As the legal proceedings unfold, critics argue that the charges could deepen the political divide in the nation, while supporters of Jugnauth claim that he is the victim of a politically motivated campaign designed to tarnish his reputation.
The FCC’s investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
