[Fraudulent Transfer of a Porsche Cayenne via MAUPASS] MITCI Clarifies, Investigates and Strengthens Controls

The case involving the fraudulent transfer of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, valued at approximately Rs 9.2 million, continues to create a stir. Liam Sohaye, a 26-year-old resident of Eau-Coulée, was arrested by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) on Tuesday night for allegedly transferring the vehicle's ownership to himself by exploiting the online system Mauritius E-Registry, accessible through MAUPASS.

In light of the controversy, the Ministry of Technology, Communication and Innovation (MITCI) issued a statement on October 8 to clarify the role of the MAUPASS portal. The ministry emphasized that "MAUPASS is not a transaction platform, but a national authentication system" that allows citizens to securely access public services online through a unique digital identity. It further stated that "MAUPASS serves only as an access gateway and not as a mechanism for validating transactions or ownership transfers."

The MITCI confirmed that an internal investigation was promptly initiated by its technical teams following the news coverage. The goal is to determine whether there was a system flaw or fraudulent use of documents. Initial findings suggest the latter; the suspect allegedly falsified documents to carry out the transfer.

The ministry stressed that the security and integrity of the MAUPASS system remain "absolute priorities." Additional verification and authentication mechanisms are currently being deployed to enhance the reliability of the process and prevent identity theft attempts.

Since September 2024, vehicle ownership transfers can be conducted online via www.eregistry.govmu.org, marking a significant advancement in the country’s digital transformation. However, the MITCI remains vigilant regarding emerging risks related to digital fraud.

As part of the Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025–2029, the ministry is committed to enhancing national cybersecurity and ensuring a "safer, more robust, and transparent" digital ecosystem for all citizens. It reaffirms its commitment to "work tirelessly for data protection, digital trust, and information system security" in collaboration with relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, Liam Sohaye remains in custody. Charged provisionally with fraud by false representation under Section 39 of the Financial Crimes Commission Act, he appeared before the Moka Court, where the FCC objected to his conditional release. His bail motion will be discussed on October 15.