Former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth Arrested in Money Laundering Probe

Former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius has been arrested in connection with a money laundering probe, raising concerns about his involvement with a controversial Chagos Islands handover agreement. His court appearance follows overnight interrogation and the seizure of large amounts of cash from associates. The investigation threatens the agreement, prompting criticism from opposition figures regarding potential corruption.

Pravind Jugnauth, the former Prime Minister of Mauritius and architect of a controversial Chagos deal, has appeared in court following his arrest in connection with a money laundering investigation. A video displayed Mr. Jugnauth being escorted into the courthouse by plain-clothes police officers, which included a bag carrying his possessions. His arrest is part of an ongoing probe that has generated significant scrutiny domestically and internationally.

Mr. Jugnauth was interrogated overnight by the Mauritius Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), following a search of his residence where authorities seized substantial amounts of cash from another suspect’s home. His wife, Kobita, was also detained but later released. The former Prime Minister was transferred to a detention center prior to attending bail proceedings, where he was granted bail pending further hearings.

The investigations reveal that authorities recovered suitcases filled with cash in various currencies from a close associate of Mr. Jugnauth. This latest scandal compounds challenges faced by the proposed Chagos Islands handover agreement, which seeks to transfer control of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius while maintaining a UK military presence on Diego Garcia.

Mr. Jugnauth’s lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, staunchly refuted the allegations, asserting that no incriminating evidence was found during the FCC’s extensive search. The ongoing investigation, which centers on claims from individuals allegedly tied to this case, remains contested, with Mr. Gulbul emphasizing the lack of corroborating evidence against his client.

The political ramifications of this incident are notable, as it adds complexity to the future of the Chagos Islands agreement. Senior British officials, including Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, have suggested that the military base’s strategic importance will guide the deal forward despite the controversy surrounding Mr. Jugnauth. Additionally, opposition members have called for the abandonment of the agreement, questioning its integrity and the potential misuse of funds involved.

In summary, the arrest of former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth in a money laundering investigation brings significant scrutiny to the proposed Chagos Islands agreement, which aims to hand over territory to Mauritius. The legal proceedings have raised concerns about potential corruption linked to the deal, leading to calls from opposition members for a re-evaluation. The ongoing investigation highlights the intricate relationship between domestic political dynamics and international agreements involving critical military interests.

Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk