Port Louis, Mauritius — Former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, was granted bail on Monday following his detention in a money-laundering investigation. This development unfolded after police discovered significant sums of cash during raids on the residences of his alleged associates.
The 63-year-old political figure and his wife, Kobita Jugnauth, were taken into custody on Saturday and subjected to extensive questioning by law enforcement, according to police sources who spoke with AFP. While Kobita Jugnauth was subsequently released, Pravind Jugnauth remained in custody and was formally arrested in the early hours of Sunday.
Appearing in court in Port Louis, the capital city, the ex-premier refuted all accusations leveled against him. Ultimately, the judge ruled in his favor, granting him release upon payment of 150,000 rupees ($16,000) bail. AFP reviewed the written ruling which confirmed this decision.
The investigation intensified with police and court documents revealing searches conducted at the homes of two additional suspects associated with a local leisure enterprise. During these searches, authorities reported seizing documents that bore the Jugnauths’ names, alongside luxury timepieces and suitcases filled with cash, suggesting a deeper link to potential illicit financial activities and raising questions about Pm Money trails.
Chagos Islands Deal Under Scrutiny Amidst PM Money Concerns
Pravind Jugnauth’s tenure as prime minister, spanning from 2017 to 2024, marks a significant period in Mauritian politics. He is part of a long-standing political dynasty that has been at the helm of Mauritius since its independence from Britain in 1968. His leadership saw Mauritius achieve a landmark agreement with Britain concerning the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, resolving a protracted and sensitive international dispute.
However, his political fortunes shifted dramatically in the November elections where his Militant Socialist Movement experienced a significant defeat. This electoral setback led to Navin Ramgoolam, from the center-left, assuming the prime ministership for a third term.
Ramgoolam’s new administration has since revisited the Chagos negotiations, reportedly with the aim of securing greater financial compensation for Mauritius and renegotiating the terms of the lease for the joint U.K.-U.S. military base located there. The existing Chagos deal stipulates that Britain retains the lease for the Diego Garcia base, a strategically important military asset in the Asia-Pacific region currently leased to the United States. Both Mauritius and Britain have acknowledged that the U.S. government will play a role in finalizing the agreement’s details.
It’s worth noting that during the election campaign, both Jugnauth and Ramgoolam pledged to address the cost-of-living challenges faced by ordinary Mauritians, despite the nation’s robust economic growth. This recent pm money scandal adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape, potentially influencing public trust and future policy directions within Mauritius. The ongoing investigation will be closely watched for its implications on Mauritian politics and its international relations.
