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Former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth was taken into custody by local authorities on Sunday as part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation, which also led to the discovery of substantial cash reserves during searches of other suspects’ residences.
Law enforcement officials, speaking anonymously to AFP, revealed that both Jugnauth, 63, and his spouse Kobita were detained on Saturday and underwent extensive questioning. While Kobita was subsequently released, her husband remained in custody, with his formal arrest being processed early Sunday morning.
Speaking to the media, Jugnauth’s legal representative Raouf Gulbul stated: “He gave his version of events and denied the allegations made against him.” The attorney indicated that his client would face a court appearance later that day.
EX Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth, who @Keir_Starmer and @DavidLammy rushed to do their dodgy Chagos deal with days after getting into office, is bundled into court on money laundering and corruption charges. pic.twitter.com/Om17pxEuu4
— Fed Up (@VulpesBite) February 16, 2025
According to a police report obtained by AFP, investigators discovered documents containing the Jugnauths’ names, along with high-end timepieces and various currency denominations during a search at the residence of another suspect employed by a local entertainment company. Additional raids at a real estate executive’s property yielded multiple suitcases filled with cash, according to local news sources.
The investigation intensified when the island’s Financial Crimes Commission issued a directive on Saturday authorizing police to detain the Jugnauths and two additional suspects if they attempted to leave the country, citing an active money-laundering investigation.
Jugnauth, who served as prime minister from 2017 until 2024, belongs to one of the influential families that have held significant political power in Mauritius since its independence from British rule in 1968. His tenure was marked by a significant diplomatic achievement in securing Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Islands from Britain.
As Comrade Starmer conflates the NHS and Farmers because he thinks we’re stupid he continues to sell out the people of the UK
Former Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth has been arrested on money laundering charges He 'masterminded' the Chagos Islands deal that Starmer and Lammy are… pic.twitter.com/5shTssxwkj
— Ali Malik (@IAM_Ali_Malik) February 16, 2025
His political career faced a significant setback when he and his Militant Socialist Movement party suffered a decisive electoral defeat last November. The leadership transition saw center-left politician Navin Ramgoolam assume the role of prime minister for his third term.
The new administration under Ramgoolam has resumed negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands, reportedly seeking enhanced financial compensation and modifications to the proposed lease terms for a joint UK-US military installation. Under the existing agreement, Britain maintains lease rights for the Diego Garcia base, with both nations acknowledging the necessity of U.S. approval for final terms.
During the electoral campaign, competing parties emphasized their commitment to addressing the economic challenges faced by Mauritian citizens, despite the country’s overall economic growth.
