By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A former Prime Minister of Mauritius has been released on bail following his arrest on Saturday over money laundering allegations.
Pravind Jugnauth had been detained along with three others after the anti-corruption agency, the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), said it had seized suitcases of cash and luxury items following a raid on 10 locations, including the former Prime Minister’s home.
Jugnauth’s arrest came 100 days after his defeat in a landslide victory for his successor, Navin Ramgoolam, who has since vowed to root out corruption in the country.
Mauritians have long expected the FCC to bring Jugnauth to account over such serious corruption allegations against him.
Following his arrest on Saturday, some residents in the capital, Port Louis, took to the streets to celebrate with firecrackers, while on Monday, a few of his supporters marched to the court in demonstration, chanting: “Pravind! Pravind!”
His wife, Kobita, was released on Saturday by investigators after questioning, as no charges were filed against her.
Jugnauth, 63, was granted a $32,000 (£26,000) bail by a magistrate.
His co-accused, two businesspeople and a deputy mayor, are still in detention pending the outcome of their application for bail.
According to FCC spokesperson Ibrahim Rossaye, about $2.4 million in local and foreign currencies including US dollars, euros, and UAE dirhams was seized during the raids.
Seven luxury watches, including five high-end Cartier timepieces, were also confiscated, he added.
As part of his bail conditions, Jugnauth has been ordered not to contact or interfere with witnesses.
He must also stay at a fixed address and inform the police of any plans to relocate.
Jugnauth was the Prime Minister from 2017 to 2024 and presided over a historic deal with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the future of the Chagos Islands.
The agreement aims to settle the long-standing sovereignty dispute over the islands, but his successor has accused him of negotiating a bad deal and has reopened talks.
