Former Prime Minister of Mauritius Arrested
PM Pravind Jugnauth faces money laundering and corruption charges. (Flickr).
The government of Mauritius arrested former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on money laundering charges on Saturday, February 15.
The arrest comes following the search of over ten properties, including Jugnauth’s house. The Mauritian Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) reported finding US$2.4 million at his residence. Stored in hidden suitcases, the cash was in several currencies—U.S. dollars, euros, and UAE dirhams. Alongside the cash, the FCC also found five luxury Cartier watches.
Jugnauth has been involved in Mauritian politics for over 30 years. Serving as Prime Minister of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) from 2019 to 2024, Jugnauth prioritized maintaining sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago amidst an international land dispute. Before that, he served as an opposition leader, head of the agricultural ministry, and head of the finance ministry, where he reduced taxes and increased subsidies on multiple commodities. Jugnauth’s lawyer denies any charges of money laundering, but two prominent businessmen and a deputy mayor face money laundering charges alongside Jugnauth.
The arrests are part of new Prime Minister Navin Rangoolam’s crackdown on corruption. He served as PM thrice before, from 1995 to 2000 and from 2005 to 2014. After being sworn into office in November 2024, Rangoolam promised to reduce the cost of living by providing more welfare and to improve the government by “vanquishing nepotism, corruption and repression.” Ramgoolam has recently targeted financial crime by questioning Jugnauth’s accounting statements and calling for a public audit. The FCC arrested the central bank governor in January 2025 on similar charges as a result of the audit.
Jugnauth lost to Rangoolam in a sweeping election in November. Rangoolam’s party, the Alliance of Change (ADC), won 60 out of 62 seats in parliament, leaving Jugnauth and the MSM, reeling from a historical and decisive loss of political power. The election results kicked out the incumbent for skyrocketing inflation and cost of living as well as major government scandals—crackdown on free speech and free press, loss of an independent judiciary, and the “Missie Moustass” leaks covering up a political murder by high-ranking officials.
After spending the night at a detention center, Jugnauth got out on a US$32,000 bail on Sunday, February 16. He remains under house arrest while he awaits trial. Jugnauth’s supporters celebrated with fireworks and a demonstration in front of the courthouse on Monday, February 17.
Even though Ramgoolam had announced a targeted crackdown on corruption, Mauritians are surprised by the numerous arrests and serious charges being brought forth against formerly senior officials. The arrest of a former Prime Minister threatens Mauritius’ reputation as a financial hub as investors and entrepreneurs see increasing risk in the country’s political unrest. There is hope that the high-profile visit of India’s Prime Minister Nahendra Modi, who visited during Jugnauth’s administration, for National Day celebrations will restore some confidence and stability to Ramgoolam’s government.