Former Mauritius Prime Minister Arrested Amid Money Laundering Investigation
Pravind Jugnauth, former Prime Minister of Mauritius, was arrested as part of a money laundering probe, raising concerns over a Chagos Islands handover agreement signed with Sir Keir Starmer. Following interrogation, Jugnauth was granted bail, while investigations continue into the cash found at associates’ homes. Critics are calling to halt the deal, fearing misuse of taxpayer funds.
Former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, has recently been arrested in connection with a money laundering investigation. Following his arrest, a video surfaced showing him escorted by plain-clothes police into a courthouse, with personal belongings in a bag. The investigation follows the questioning of Jugnauth by the Mauritius Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) and raids that seized large sums of cash from associates.
The arrest has cast a shadow over the Chagos Islands handover agreement that Jugnauth signed with Sir Keir Starmer in October, which is intended to transfer the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius while retaining a military lease on Diego Garcia. This deal has raised concerns, with taxpayer costs estimated between £9 billion and £18 billion over decades.
Jugnauth and his family were summoned by the FCC after a thorough search of his residence, which lasted three hours. During the interrogation, which finished in the early hours of Sunday, his wife was detained and later released. Jugnauth was subsequently taken to court and granted bail, as prosecutors could not establish that he posed a risk of tampering with evidence or witnesses.
Raids on associates’ properties yielded suitcases filled with cash in various currencies and luxury items. Two of Jugnauth’s associates have been arrested, and while the FCC opposed his release, his attorney filed a motion for bail. The allegations involve claims that Jugnauth had requested another individual to hold money for him, which the former prime minister vehemently denies.
The investigation revolves around a significant sum of 120 million Mauritian rupees, and the deputy mayor accused of delivering cash to an accomplice also remains in custody. Jugnauth insisted he has no involvement in any money-laundering activities, arguing that the allegations are baseless. The court is to reconsider his bail application as further inquiries unfold.
Meanwhile, the Chagos deal continues to face scrutiny, with opposition figures suggesting that the emerging allegations against Jugnauth are troubling regarding future negotiations. Government officials, however, maintained that discussions concerning the strategic military importance of the Chagos Islands would proceed. Critics have called for an immediate halt to the deal, citing potential misappropriation of significant taxpayer funds.
In conclusion, the recent arrest of former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has significantly impacted the planned Chagos Islands agreement, raising questions about accountability and potential corruption. While he categorically denies the allegations, the investigations into money laundering have sparked fierce debate. The long-term implications for the deal and national security remain uncertain as the political landscape in Mauritius unfolds.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
