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Kathmandu. Mauritian police have arrested former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth as part of a money laundering investigation. A police source told AFP on condition of anonymity that authorities arrested Jugnauth, 63, and his wife Kobita Jugnauth on Sunday morning and questioned them for several hours.
Kobita Jugnauth was released after questioning, while former Prime Minister Pravind is scheduled to appear before a judge after office hours on Sunday morning. A police report seen by AFP said officers searched the home of another suspect, where they found the Jugnauths’ names, as well as luxury watches and stacks of various currencies. The island’s Financial Crimes Commission issued a notice on Saturday, citing an investigation into a “money laundering case” and directing police to arrest the Jugnauth couple and two other suspects if they attempt to leave the country.
Jugnauth, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2024, represents one of the dynasties that has dominated Mauritius’ leadership since independence from Britain in 1968. He brokered a historic deal with Britain to restore sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after a long-running dispute. He and his militant socialist movement suffered a crushing defeat in a tense election in November.
He handed over power to his centre-left rival, Naveen Ramgoolam, who is now prime minister for the third time. During the campaign, both camps promised to improve the lives of ordinary Mauritians, who face cost-of-living difficulties despite strong economic growth.
Under the Chagos Agreement, Britain will lease the island of Diego Garcia to establish a joint US military base. Both Mauritius and Britain have said that the administration of US President Donald Trump will have its say on the final terms of the agreement.
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