FORMER MAURITIUS PM ARRESTED IN MONEY LAUNDERING PROBE

NAIROBI (Kenya), Feb 16 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and his wife, Kobita Raouf Gulbul, were arrested on Sunday as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation, their lawyer announced.

According to Anadolu Ajansi, the couple is cooperating with authorities, the lawyer told reporters.

The Financial Crimes Commission, which is leading the inquiry, confirmed the arrest and reported the seizure of approximately 114 million Mauritian rupees (about US$2.4 million) during searches at various locations, including the couple’s residence.

Officials also confiscated three suitcases and a bag containing both local and foreign currency, along with luxury watches, including five Cartier timepieces.

The arrest has sparked widespread reactions, with opposition figures demanding full transparency.

Roshi Bhadain, leader of the Reform Party, urged authorities to ensure accountability, describing the situation as a test of judicial integrity in the East African island nation.

Pravind Jugnauth, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2024, has faced legal scrutiny in the past. In 2011, he was arrested in connection with the MedPoint Affair but was later acquitted.

MedPoint was a high-profile corruption scandal involving the government’s purchase of a private hospital at an allegedly inflated price.

The Financial Crimes Commission has not yet disclosed specific charges against the former leader, and the government has yet to issue an official statement on the case.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU