After spending a night in detention following his arrest for alleged money laundering, former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has been granted bail, raising eyebrows in the political landscape of Mauritius.
Former Mauritius PM Released on Bail Amid Money Laundering Controversy
Former Mauritius PM Released on Bail Amid Money Laundering Controversy
Pravind Jugnauth's arrest has sparked public celebrations and a renewed focus on corruption in Mauritian politics.
Jugnauth was taken into custody along with three others after the anti-corruption agency conducted raids across ten locations, including his residence, where suitcases filled with cash and luxury watches were seized. His lawyer stated that Jugnauth denies any wrongdoing related to the allegations, which emerged just 100 days after his political defeat in the recent elections led by Navin Ramgoolam, who has promised to combat corruption aggressively.
The charges against Jugnauth were unexpected for many Mauritians, leading to celebrations in the streets of the capital, Port Louis, where a mixture of jubilation and support for the former PM unfolded. Protestors lit firecrackers as supporters rallied outside the court, shouting "Pravin! Pravin!"
Jugnauth's wife, Kobita, was questioned but has not been charged. The former prime minister was required to post bail set at $32,000 (£26,000) and must adhere to multiple conditions, including not contacting witnesses and providing police with an address should he choose to relocate.
During the raids, officials from the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) confiscated approximately $2.4 million in various currencies, along with seven high-end watches, notably five Cartier timepieces.
Having served as prime minister from 2017 until earlier this year, Jugnauth had previously been engaged in key diplomatic negotiations with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding territorial disputes over the Chagos Islands. However, his successor has accused him of mishandling the deal and is reinvigorating discussions over the islands' governance.
The political fallout from Jugnauth's arrest may extend beyond him, with his co-accused—two prominent businessmen and a deputy mayor—awaiting the outcome of their respective bail applications. As developments unfold, the Mauritian public is closely watching the implications this case holds for the future of the country’s political integrity.
The charges against Jugnauth were unexpected for many Mauritians, leading to celebrations in the streets of the capital, Port Louis, where a mixture of jubilation and support for the former PM unfolded. Protestors lit firecrackers as supporters rallied outside the court, shouting "Pravin! Pravin!"
Jugnauth's wife, Kobita, was questioned but has not been charged. The former prime minister was required to post bail set at $32,000 (£26,000) and must adhere to multiple conditions, including not contacting witnesses and providing police with an address should he choose to relocate.
During the raids, officials from the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) confiscated approximately $2.4 million in various currencies, along with seven high-end watches, notably five Cartier timepieces.
Having served as prime minister from 2017 until earlier this year, Jugnauth had previously been engaged in key diplomatic negotiations with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding territorial disputes over the Chagos Islands. However, his successor has accused him of mishandling the deal and is reinvigorating discussions over the islands' governance.
The political fallout from Jugnauth's arrest may extend beyond him, with his co-accused—two prominent businessmen and a deputy mayor—awaiting the outcome of their respective bail applications. As developments unfold, the Mauritian public is closely watching the implications this case holds for the future of the country’s political integrity.
