Mon Feb 17 08:11:33 UTC 2025: **Mauritius’ Former Prime Minister Jugnauth Released on Bail After Money Laundering Arrest**
PORT LOUIS, Mauritius (February 17, 2025) – Former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has been released on bail following his arrest on Sunday on charges of money laundering. A magistrate at the Port Louis court granted bail, imposing conditions that prohibit Mr. Jugnauth from contacting witnesses or discussing the case outside of official channels. He is scheduled to return to court on Monday to complete the bail process.
Mr. Jugnauth’s arrest followed a search of his home and other locations by the Financial Crimes Commission, resulting in the seizure of MUR 114 million ($2.5 million). His lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, stated that his client denies the charges. The arrest comes amidst a broader investigation into public finances, initiated by the new Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam following concerns about the accuracy of government data from the previous administration. Last month, Mauritius also saw the detention and subsequent release on bail of the country’s former central bank governor on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud. The island nation, an offshore financial center, is currently under scrutiny.
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