Pravind Jugnauth Appears in Court Amid Money Laundering Allegations

Pravind Jugnauth, former Prime Minister of Mauritius, has been arrested as part of a money laundering probe linked to his role in the controversial Chagos Islands deal. Despite his claim of innocence and the lack of incriminating evidence, political implications from his arrest threaten the viability of the agreement, prompting criticism and calls for transparency from several political entities.

Pravind Jugnauth, the former Prime Minister of Mauritius, has been presented in court following his arrest in connection with a money laundering investigation. He is recognized as the political architect of the contentious Chagos deal. A recent video disclosed his apprehension by plain-cloth police, with his personal items held in a bin bag during his transfer to the courthouse.

Mr. Jugnauth’s detention follows a lengthy interrogation by the Mauritius Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) after authorities executed raids and discovered major cash amounts linked to his associates. These raids reportedly revealed suitcases brimming with cash in various currencies and luxury goods, thereby intensifying scrutiny over the planned handover of the Chagos Islands.

His arrest disrupts negotiations led by Sir Keir Starmer concerning the Chagos deal, which intends to transition the British Indian Ocean territory to Mauritius under specific conditions while retaining control over Diego Garcia. The projected financial burden from this agreement is estimated between £9 billion to £18 billion.

Following an intensive search of Mr. Jugnauth’s residence, his family was summoned by the FCC, where his interrogation continued into the early hours. While he was subsequently moved to Moka detention center, he was granted bail due to insufficient evidence to support risks regarding witness tampering or evidence interference.

Legal representation for Mr. Jugnauth challenged the FCC’s objections to his bail, asserting that no incriminating evidence had been discovered during searches. Mr. Jugnauth has firmly denied the accusations and disputes any claim that he requested money be held on his behalf.

The investigation involves claims surrounding approximately 120 million Mauritian rupees linked to two individuals, one of whom allegedly acted at Mr. Jugnauth’s request. The discussions about the Chagos deal continue amid calls for transparency and allegations of potential corruption arising from these developments.

Concerns about the sustainability and viability of the Chagos handover agreement have intensified, prompting notable political figures to critique its foundation. Notably, the Conservative Party has labeled the arrangement suspicious, highlighting Mr. Jugnauth’s involvement as consistent with questions surrounding fiscal accountability regarding UK taxpayer funds.

Prominent figures, including Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, maintain that the negotiation remains pivotal for safeguarding a significant military base, thereby dismissing claims of needing to pause the agreement amid ongoing legal matters surrounding Mr. Jugnauth.

Pravind Jugnauth’s recent court appearance and arrest raise serious concerns regarding the integrity of the Chagos deal, which has already attracted significant criticism. Observations indicate potential issues of accountability in how any financial transactions with Mauritius could be handled. As the investigation unfolds, the future of the proposed agreement remains uncertain, especially amid accusations of corruption and misappropriation of funds. Political figures continue to advocate for halting the deal until comprehensive clarity and assurance are provided.

Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk