Reward Money Scandal - Rs 86 Million Pact: SP Ashik Jagai Under Scrutiny
Reward Money Scandal - Rs 86 Million Pact: SP Ashik Jagai Under Scrutiny
The investigation by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) into the Reward Money funds is intensifying. Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashik Jagai and his right-hand man, Sergeant Yusuf Ali Hamud Hossen, known as Mose, are now at the center of a financial scandal estimated at several tens of millions of rupees.
The FCC is working to decipher the actual use of the Rs 110 million in Reward Money received by the PHQ Special Striking Team, under the command of Commissioner Anil Kumar Dip. At this point, a pact attributed to SP Ashik Jagai and Sergeant Yusuf Ali Hamud Hossen, which saw Rs 86 million deposited into the latter's account, has captured the attention of investigators.
These funds were disbursed in several installments following various approved requests for Reward Money. Sergeant Hossen, then the Reward Money Handler of the PHQ SST, was the primary beneficiary. SP Ashik Jagai, as the unit head, was expected to have control over these transactions. The FCC accuses him of approving suspicious payments, including Rs 7 million and Rs 17 million in two separate cases. Other claims amounting to approximately Rs 107 million are also being examined. All these claims bear the signature of SP Jagai, who validated the Reward Money requests as team leader.
In the case of the Rs 7 million, the FCC favors the theory of a false claim, recorded as OB 39/2022 at the PHQ SST. The FCC charges the Jagai-Hossen duo with illegally approving and cashing these funds.
The FCC also highlights over-payments of Rs 62.7 million between August 2022 and April 2024. All these requests were made by Sergeant Hossen.
According to the investigation, operations conducted during this period should have generated only Rs 3.1 million. Additionally, between August and September 2024, an over-claim of Rs 17.3 million was approved instead of the anticipated Rs 292,300.
Arrested on Wednesday by the FCC and placed in custody following his provisional charge for "Using his position for gratification for another person" under the Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA), Ashik Jagai maintains his stance. He claims not to have received any bonuses related to the Reward Money fund and denies any involvement in its management. He asserts that he has only ensured adherence to established procedures in his capacity as Superintendent of Police within the PHQ SST.
This unit, a showcase for Commissioner Anil Kumar Dip, was under the overall supervision of Assistant Police Commissioner Dunraz Gangadin, who is also charged in this investigation.
Ashik Jagai Transferred to a Doctor Under Close Surveillance
SP Ashik Jagai was taken on Saturday, August 16, to a medical office in the capital for consultation and treatment. Transferred from the Moka Detention Centre, he was escorted by about fifteen FCC agents and a team from the Special Supporting Unit (SSU).
Relatives were allowed to deliver prescribed medications to him, while the medical session, lasting about an hour, took place under heightened security. Following the consultation, Ashik Jagai was returned to cell number 6 of the Moka Detention Centre, with the journey being escorted by the SSU from Port-Louis to Moka.
Six Policemen Already Charged
SP Ashik Jagai
The sixth police officer charged in the Reward Money case, Ashik Jagai was seen as a tough anti-drug fighter during his thirty years with the Adsu, feared by traffickers. However, his time at the PHQ SST has been marred by allegations of "drug planting." Those close to him claim he has a "steel mentality" and that attempts are being made to break him.
ACP Lilram Deal
Former head of the Counter Terrorism Unit, he is charged with requesting a Reward Money during a drug seizure carried out by the Adsu. He is now under restriction. His acquaintances describe him as a policeman with a powerful international network.
ACP Dunraz Gangadin
A trusted man of Commissioner Dip, he was the spokesperson and main contact for the press on sensitive cases. He is also facing charges in this matter.
ASP Faraaz Moniaruth and Sergeant Yeshdeo Seeboruth
Head of the Force Crime Intelligence Unit (FCIU), ASP Faraaz Moniaruth allegedly recommended the payment of Rs 3 million to Sergeant Yeshdeo Seeboruth, as a Handler, in a drug case. However, Seeboruth allegedly cashed Rs 19.3 million in total into his personal account.
Sergeant Yusuf Ali Hamud Hossen (known as Mose)
Considered the strongman of the PHQ SST and SP Jagai's right-hand man, he allegedly received no less than Rs 83 million in his bank account. He was officially suspended on Monday, August 11, with the announcement made on Thursday, August 14. He is facing two provisional charges.
