Investigation on El Capo: The Prime Minister highlights flaws in visa control
During Tuesday's parliamentary session, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam addressed the recent arrest of Brandon Rodrigues Senna, known as "El Capo", and the shortcomings in Mauritius's immigration system. His responses were in relation to two parliamentary questions posed by Adrien Duval and Arvin Babajee regarding visa issuance and border security.
Brandon Rodrigues Senna, a French citizen born on October 19, 1994, in Guyana, arrived in Mauritius on May 30 from Réunion. This was his first visit to the island, where he stated he would stay for six days in a guesthouse in Mahébourg for tourism purposes. The checks conducted upon his arrival, including a review of Interpol's databases, revealed no prior offenses, and he was granted entry for 15 days.
However, the Prime Minister revealed that Senna's visa expired on June 14, 2025, by which time he had neither left the territory nor applied for an extension. Since that deadline, the Passport and Immigration Office had been actively searching for him. His arrest occurred on October 29 at around 12:15 PM in La Source, Central Flacq, by the Eastern Criminal Investigation Division (CID). He was found in a vehicle with two others, and the police seized several items, including a serial-less firearm, packages of suspected cocaine, a "Rambo"-type knife, and suspicious clothing and accessories.
Brandon Rodrigues Senna was provisionally charged on October 30 at the Flacq District Court for drug trafficking, conspiracy, and kidnapping. The police opposed his bail, extending his detention until November 27, while his co-defendants were released on bail on November 20. Interpol issued a red notice against him on November 4 for drug-related offenses, money laundering, and participation in a criminal conspiracy.
The Prime Minister highlighted the flaws in the immigration system, noting that as of November 22, 2025, approximately 9,800 individuals were overstaying their visas in Mauritius. He described this situation as a "persistent abuse" and announced corrective measures to strengthen border control, including legal and regulatory changes.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of concerning security, marked by the seizure of 433 kilograms of cocaine aboard the MV Alpha Bravery ship on November 14. The Prime Minister specified that the ongoing investigation will determine whether there is a link between Brandon Rodrigues Senna and this seizure.
Navin Ramgoolam emphasized the importance of reforming the current system, which allows citizens from many countries to obtain a visa on arrival, leading to massive overstays. The government plans to enhance controls and prevent future abuses while ensuring border security and compliance with Mauritian laws.
