Jugnauth's release on bail highlights ongoing political tensions in Mauritius after his recent electoral defeat.
**Mauritius Former PM Arrested on Money Laundering Charges Released on Bail**
**Mauritius Former PM Arrested on Money Laundering Charges Released on Bail**
Former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth faces serious allegations following a dramatic police raid.
Former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, has been released on bail after spending a night in custody following his arrest on money laundering charges. This incident occurred on Saturday when the nation's anti-corruption agency conducted extensive raids, seizing suitcases filled with cash and a number of luxury watches from multiple locations, including Jugnauth's personal residence. His legal counsel stated that the former prime minister strongly rejects these allegations.
This arrest follows a decisive electoral defeat for Jugnauth just 100 days earlier, with his successor, Navin Ramgoolam, pledging to eradicate corruption within governmental ranks. The swift actions taken by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) came as a surprise to many Mauritians, especially given the high-profile nature of the charges brought against him. After news of his arrest spread, celebrations erupted on the streets of Port Louis, where some supporters lit firecrackers, while a small group demonstrated outside the courthouse with chants of "Pravin! Pravin!" echoing in support of the former leader.
In addition to Jugnauth, three others were arrested, including two notable business figures and a deputy mayor, who remain in custody as they await their bail hearings. The FCC reported that around $2.4 million in various currencies, including US dollars, euros, and UAE dirhams, was confiscated along with seven luxury watches, among which were five high-end Cartier timepieces. Jugnauth's bail was set at $32,000 (£26,000), and he has been instructed not to interact with potential witnesses and to remain at a designated address while notifying authorities of any changes.
Jugnauth, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2024, has been a prominent figure in a political dynasty that has long influenced the Mauritian political landscape. Notably, he arranged a historic agreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer concerning the Chagos Islands, a matter previously contentious regarding sovereignty. However, his successor has criticized the deal as unfavorable, reopening discussions on the issue.
This arrest follows a decisive electoral defeat for Jugnauth just 100 days earlier, with his successor, Navin Ramgoolam, pledging to eradicate corruption within governmental ranks. The swift actions taken by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) came as a surprise to many Mauritians, especially given the high-profile nature of the charges brought against him. After news of his arrest spread, celebrations erupted on the streets of Port Louis, where some supporters lit firecrackers, while a small group demonstrated outside the courthouse with chants of "Pravin! Pravin!" echoing in support of the former leader.
In addition to Jugnauth, three others were arrested, including two notable business figures and a deputy mayor, who remain in custody as they await their bail hearings. The FCC reported that around $2.4 million in various currencies, including US dollars, euros, and UAE dirhams, was confiscated along with seven luxury watches, among which were five high-end Cartier timepieces. Jugnauth's bail was set at $32,000 (£26,000), and he has been instructed not to interact with potential witnesses and to remain at a designated address while notifying authorities of any changes.
Jugnauth, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2024, has been a prominent figure in a political dynasty that has long influenced the Mauritian political landscape. Notably, he arranged a historic agreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer concerning the Chagos Islands, a matter previously contentious regarding sovereignty. However, his successor has criticized the deal as unfavorable, reopening discussions on the issue.
