Pravind Jugnauth served as Mauritius’ prime minister from 2017 until 2024, when his Militant Socialist Movement suffered a significant electoral defeat. His successor, Navin Ramgoolam, returned to office for a third term after the tense November elections.
Port Louis, Mauritius – Former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has been arrested in connection with an ongoing money-laundering investigation, police officials confirmed on Sunday. The arrest follows raids on multiple properties, during which authorities seized large sums of cash and luxury items.
Jugnauth, 63, was taken into custody along with his wife, Kobita Jugnauth, on Saturday. While she was later released, he was placed under formal arrest early Sunday, according to police sources speaking on condition of anonymity.
Jugnauth’s lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, stated that his client “gave his version of events and denied the allegations made against him.” The former leader is expected to appear before a judge later in the day.
Raids and Seizures
As part of the investigation, police searched the home of another suspect, an employee of a local leisure company, and reportedly found documents bearing the Jugnauths’ names, luxury watches, and various foreign currencies. Authorities also raided the residence of a real estate executive, uncovering suitcases filled with cash, local media reported.
The Financial Crimes Commission had issued a notice on Saturday instructing law enforcement to detain the Jugnauths and two other suspects if they attempted to leave the country, citing the ongoing probe.
Political Background
Pravind Jugnauth served as Mauritius’ prime minister from 2017 until 2024, when his Militant Socialist Movement suffered a significant electoral defeat. His successor, Navin Ramgoolam, returned to office for a third term after the tense November elections.
During his tenure, Jugnauth played a key role in negotiating Mauritius’ claim over the Chagos Islands, a disputed territory long held by Britain. The new government under Ramgoolam has since reopened discussions on the matter, reportedly seeking greater financial compensation and revised terms for the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.
The US, UK, and Mauritius remain in talks over the strategic base, which serves as a critical hub for US military operations in the Asia-Pacific.
Meanwhile, both major political parties have pledged to address economic challenges facing Mauritians, despite the nation’s steady economic growth.
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