6 days ago
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Former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has been released on bail following his arrest on charges of money laundering, a magistrate in the capital, Port Louis, announced on Sunday.
Jugnauth was detained after detectives from the state-run Financial Crimes Commission searched his home and other locations, seizing 114 million Mauritius rupees ($2.5 million).
He was provisionally charged with money laundering, according to a charge sheet presented by the director of public prosecution.
Magistrate Rishan Chineah, presiding over the bail and remand court, set strict conditions for Jugnauth’s release. “He shall not interfere directly or indirectly with any witness or potential witness,” Chineah ruled, further prohibiting him from discussing the case with anyone except investigation authorities or the court. Jugnauth has been ordered to appear again on Monday to complete the bail process.
Jugnauth’s lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, told reporters that his client denies all charges.
The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of Mauritius’ financial sector. In November, the country’s new Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, announced an audit of public finances, raising concerns about the accuracy of government data compiled by the previous administration.
Last month, the former central bank governor was also detained and released on bail after being charged with conspiracy to commit fraud.
Mauritius, an Indian Ocean archipelago, has positioned itself as an offshore financial hub, serving as a key economic link between Africa and Asia.
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