Ravatomanga Case: FCC Investigation Poisoned by Suspicions

Ravatomanga Case: FCC Investigation Poisoned by Suspicions
Defi Quotidien
Thu, 30/10/2025 - 10:17

An outgoing commissioner accused and an acting director targeted by influence peddling allegations: can the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) still investigate the Ravatomanga network independently?

How can an investigation proceed when the investigators themselves are under scrutiny? The FCC, the institution responsible for tracking financial crimes in Mauritius, is currently facing an unprecedented crisis of credibility. At the heart of this issue is the Ravatomanga case, named after the Malagasy businessman whose alleged money laundering network is now implicating the highest levels of the commission itself.

On October 26, 2025, lawyer Junaid Haroon Fakim, a commissioner of the FCC, resigned. He is himself under investigation by the commission. Meanwhile, the Acting Director of the FCC, Titrudeo Sanjay Dawoodarry, is facing allegations of influence peddling brought forth by Nasser Osman Beekhy (see box). The latter has been arrested and provisionally charged with conspiracy in this matter.

The question is blunt: can we still trust an institution whose officials are suspected of collusion with those they are supposed to prosecute? For opposition leader Joe Lesjongard, speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, the FCC "cannot investigate itself," as this raises serious questions of impartiality. "For greater transparency and credibility, a neutral body independent of the executive and political powers must oversee the investigations. If the FCC becomes both judge and party, public trust will suffer."

However, two consulted lawyers disagree with this viewpoint. According to Me Yatin Varma, former Attorney General, removing the FCC from the case is not an option: "The law is clear and specific: it is the FCC that has the authority to investigate such offenses. It must now demonstrate that it acts with all necessary professionalism."

Me Penny Hack shares this perspective. The resignation of Junaid Haroon Fakim has resolved part of the problem: "Regarding the former commissioner, there is no longer a conflict of interest, as the other commission officers can proceed with the investigation peacefully. However, these officers should not be mentioned in this case nor targeted by serious allegations from third parties."

But for Me Yatin Varma, the allegations against the resigning commissioner are "very serious" and could tarnish the institution's image: "After a resignation under such circumstances, it is the FCC's responsibility to reassure the public that the ongoing investigation into money laundering suspicions is being conducted independently and professionally."

The Dawoodarry Case

On the fate of Titrudeo Sanjay Dawoodarry, the Acting Director of the FCC, both lawyers agree: he should not resign. Me Yatin Varma warns against a dangerous precedent. "We cannot demand the resignation of a leader based solely on allegations. Otherwise, we risk entering a vicious cycle." For now, he specifies, these are only allegations, the truth of which must be established.

Me Penny Hack is equally firm on principle, but more pragmatic on the form. Given the scope and seriousness of the accusations, Titrudeo Sanjay Dawoodarry should step aside from the investigation, allowing other FCC investigators to act independently. "First and foremost, we must avoid tainting the investigation with the perception of bias," he emphasizes.

Both lawyers express the same concern: credibility. Yatin Varma speaks of "tarnishing the institution's image," while Penny Hack refers to "perception of bias." Beyond Dawoodarry's guilt or innocence, public trust is at stake.

Me Penny Hack goes further by suggesting a concrete solution: "We can also suggest that he take a temporary leave until the end of this investigation." However, he tempers the exceptionality of the situation: normally, in the police force, an officer can investigate a colleague. This already occurs.

What if the situation worsens?

The two lawyers also discuss, in different contexts, the possible involvement of the police. Me Penny Hack sees this as a safety net: "There are already amendments in the FCC Act that allow the police commissioner to assist the FCC in an investigation or even to take over the case and conduct the investigation himself. This option should be considered if the situation worsens."

Me Yatin Varma, on the other hand, thinks about the criminal aspect. Regarding allegations of interference or attempts to meddle in this investigation, the lawyer warns: "If they prove true, there will inevitably be consequences. In this case, the police should be called in for a criminal investigation into these actions."

In response to Nasser Beekhy's allegations – "At the head of the same body I am denouncing, you are accusing me of influence peddling while I am denouncing influence peddling everywhere" – Titrudeo Sanjay Dawoodarry rebutted on Monday, October 27, 2025. While asserting that he will remain in his position, he presents himself as a determined fighter: "I am more committed to fighting fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Since I took over at the FCC, I have been engaged in a relentless battle against these offenses."