Key points:
- Ex-PM Pravind Jugnauth arrested in money-laundering probe
- Police seized cash, documents, and luxury items in raids
- Jugnauth denies allegations, set to appear in court
FORMER Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth was arrested on Sunday as part of a money-laundering investigation, authorities confirmed. His arrest followed police raids that uncovered significant amounts of cash and financial documents linked to the case.
High-profile arrest
According to AFP, police detained the 63-year-old ex-premier and his wife, Kobita Jugnauth, on Saturday. The couple was questioned for several hours before Kobita was released, while Pravind was formally arrested early Sunday.
Jugnauth’s lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, stated that his client had denied the allegations. ‘He gave his version of events and refuted the accusations against him,’ Gulbul told reporters. The former PM was expected to appear before a judge later in the day.
Raids uncover cash and documents
A police report seen by AFP detailed a search of another suspect’s residence, where authorities seized stacks of foreign currency, luxury watches, and documents linked to the Jugnauths. Another raid at a real estate executive’s home led to the confiscation of suitcases filled with cash, local media reported.
The Financial Crimes Commission had earlier instructed police to detain the Jugnauths and two other suspects if they attempted to leave the country. The notice cited an ongoing investigation into a ‘case of money-laundering.’
Political impact and Chagos Islands talks
Pravind Jugnauth, who served as Mauritius’ prime minister from 2017 to 2024, hails from one of the nation’s most influential political families. His tenure included a historic deal with Britain for Mauritius to regain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, a longstanding territorial dispute.
However, in the November elections, Jugnauth’s Militant Socialist Movement suffered a resounding defeat. His successor, Navin Ramgoolam, has since reopened negotiations over the Chagos Islands, reportedly seeking improved financial compensation and adjustments to the UK-US military base lease on Diego Garcia.
Despite Mauritius’ economic growth, the recent election campaign was dominated by pledges from both political camps to tackle the rising cost of living. Jugnauth’s arrest now adds further turbulence to the nation’s political landscape.
This developing case marks a dramatic turn in the career of a former leader who once held a dominant position in Mauritius’ governance.
