In a stunning turn of events, former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, was granted bail after being arrested on charges of money laundering. This development came swiftly following his arrest over the weekend, during which the country was left reeling from the shock of the accusations leveled against the once-prominent political figure.
Jugnauth, along with three others, was taken into custody after a series of raids conducted by the anti-corruption agency uncovered cash and luxury items at various locations, including the former prime minister’s residence. The discovery of suitcases filled with cash and high-end watches sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting questions about the extent of corruption within the political elite.
Despite vehemently denying the charges brought against him, Jugnauth found himself at the center of a maelstrom of controversy as his arrest came mere months after a resounding defeat in the elections. His successor, Navin Ramgoolam, seized the opportunity to pledge a crackdown on corruption, a promise that seemed to materialize with Jugnauth’s sudden arrest.
The swift action taken by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) left many Mauritians astonished, with the public divided in their reactions to the unfolding events. While some took to the streets in jubilation, setting off fireworks to mark the occasion, a small group of supporters gathered outside the court to demonstrate their unwavering loyalty to Jugnauth, chanting his name in a show of solidarity.
Amidst the turmoil, Jugnauth’s wife, Kobita, who was cleared of any involvement in the alleged money laundering scheme, was subjected to hours of questioning by investigators before being released. Meanwhile, the 63-year-old former prime minister spent a night behind bars before being granted bail by a magistrate, who set the bond at a substantial sum of $32,000 (£26,000).
As Jugnauth seeks to navigate the legal proceedings ahead, his co-accused – two prominent business figures and a deputy mayor – remain in detention pending the outcome of their own bail applications. The seized assets, totaling approximately $2.4 million in various currencies and luxury watches, paint a stark picture of the alleged illicit activities that have come to light.
Under the conditions of his bail, Jugnauth is prohibited from contacting potential witnesses and must adhere to strict reporting requirements, ensuring that he remains within the confines of the law as the case unfolds. The former prime minister’s tenure, marked by significant political achievements, now stands overshadowed by the cloud of suspicion cast upon him by the recent events.
Jugnauth, a scion of one of Mauritius’ political dynasties, held office from 2017 to 2024 and was instrumental in brokering a landmark agreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the disputed Chagos Islands. However, his handling of the negotiations has since come under scrutiny
