By Gwurld4026 
Arrest of Ex-Mauritius Prime Minister for Fraud
Former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has been arrested on charges of money laundering. The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) detained Jugnauth after seizing 114 million Mauritian rupees (approximately $2.5 million) in cash during a raid on his residence. Following his arrest, Jugnauth was granted bail under the condition that he refrains from contacting witnesses and limits discussions about the case to investigative authorities or the court. He has denied all allegations.
This development occurs amidst increased scrutiny of Mauritius’s financial sector. In November 2024, newly appointed Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam ordered an audit of public finances, expressing concerns about the accuracy of data from the previous administration. Additionally, in January 2025, the former central bank governor was arrested and released on bail after being charged with conspiracy to commit fraud.
The arrest of Jugnauth also raises questions about the future of the Chagos Islands sovereignty deal. This agreement, brokered during his tenure, involved the transfer of the Chagos Archipelago from British to Mauritian control, with the UK retaining a lease on Diego Garcia for a U.S. naval base. Critics argue that the financial scandal could jeopardize the integrity and implementation of this deal.
Mauritius, an Indian Ocean archipelago, positions itself as an offshore financial center connecting Africa and Asia. These recent events have cast a spotlight on the nation’s financial practices and governance.