Money Laundering Network - Wendip Appaya: Rs 79 Million Spent on Car Purchases Over Five Years
Money Laundering Network - Wendip Appaya: Rs 79 Million Spent on Car Purchases Over Five Years
Defi Quotidien
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 12:00
A significant turning point in the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) investigation into a large money laundering network. On Wednesday, investigators arrested Wendip Appaya, a company director suspected of having spent Rs 79 million over five years on luxury cars. The 42-year-old man is also linked to suspicious financial connections with Ally Jagai, the son of police superintendent Ashik Jagai, and Steeven Mootoocurpen, two individuals already targeted by the FCC.
According to the FCC, Wendip Appaya purchased several high-end vehicles between January 2020 and March 2025, with these transactions valued at Rs 79 million. Among the seized cars are a McLaren Artura worth Rs 12 million, a BMW M8 of the same value, and a Rs 9 million Range Rover SUV, all bearing personalized license plates: WA8, W8, and WW8.
The FCC believes that the funding for these vehicles could partially or entirely stem from "proceeds of crime." A money trail exercise has traced suspicious financial flows leading to these acquisitions.
Wendip Appaya's arrest occurred after a prolonged interrogation session at the FCC offices and searches of his home and company headquarters in Port-Louis. Assisted by his lawyer, Yash Bhadain, he was questioned again on Wednesday evening.
Wendip Appaya has categorically denied the money laundering allegations, claiming that his income comes from his cleaning business. However, his statements did not convince the FCC, which placed him under arrest. He is to appear before the Port-Louis court this Thursday facing formal money laundering charges under sections 3 and 36 of the FIAMLA and FCC Act.
Debunking Ashik Jagai's "Stage Show" Theory
The Appaya case arises while the FCC was still responding to criticisms made by police superintendent Ashik Jagai. On Tuesday, during the arrest of his son Ally, the SP denounced the Commission's operations as mere "stage shows."
However, the developments in the investigation seem to contradict this claim. FCC officials assert that the established facts demonstrate direct connections between the main suspects.
"Now, we leave it to the public to decide if this is a 'stage show,'" they remarked in the halls of the institution's headquarters.
The financial investigation has indeed highlighted close relationships between Wendip Appaya, Ally Jagai, and Steeven Mootoocurpen. The latter, already facing money laundering charges that led to the seizure of several vehicles, is considered a central figure in the operation.
According to the FCC, these three men allegedly facilitated the movement of large sums through business structures to conceal their origins. Names already known to the Adsu services, such as Muzzafar Lallmohamed - who was questioned and released on Tuesday - also appear in this network.
The case thus sheds light on connections between some alleged drug barons and their trusted associates, as well as troubling links between law enforcement representatives and money laundering networks.
The FCC's Methodology
The FCC relies on cross investigations and fund traceability to build its cases. In Wendip Appaya's case, the use of the "money trail" allowed for a direct link between his luxury acquisitions and suspicious financial flows.
Investigators emphasize that the goal is not only to seize assets but also to dismantle structured networks that facilitate money laundering and, by extension, drug trafficking.
Wendip Appaya: The Journey of an Unusual Cleaner
His name and outward signs of wealth circulated recently on Facebook and TikTok, raising questions about the source of his income. On Wednesday, the FCC seized several of his luxury cars.
Originally from Castel, Wendip Appaya began his career in 2006 as a cleaner. Later moving to Tranquebar, he founded his own company, Dynapro Cleaning Services, in 2007. The business experienced rapid growth, securing contracts for the maintenance of the island's tallest buildings and specializing in high-altitude cleaning with a team of rope access specialists.
Today, Dynapro Cleaning Services is recognized in the cleaning and maintenance sector, particularly for offices, apartments, and shopping centers. The company also has scissor lift platforms suitable for the maintenance of large structures.
