Raid at Grant Thornton: Forty-five Bottles of Alcohol and Rs 400,000 in Cash Seized

A raid was conducted at Grant Thornton on Monday, November 24, where 45 bottles of alcohol and Rs 400,000 in cash were seized. The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) carried out this significant operation at the headquarters in Ébène, where Sattar Hajee Abdoula operates. The search, conducted on the 9th floor of Ébène Tower, also resulted in the confiscation of valuable watches and a collection of pens from renowned brands such as Montblanc and Parker. The cash, carefully hidden in a modified drawer, was in various denominations.

On Monday evening, investigators thoroughly examined the premises. Two mini-refrigerators containing premium alcohol brands — including Château Pape Clément, Los Vascos, and One Winemaker, which are distributed exclusively duty-free — were sealed. The investigators counted 27 bottles of liquor and 18 bottles of wine, all deemed valuable products. The FCC also seized several luxury pen sets and three high-value watches. A safe was removed, with its contents to be verified in the presence of Sattar Hajee Abdoula. This operation aimed to find "Documentary Evidence" related to payments estimated at Rs 3.6 million received for "Advisory Services" provided to Air Mauritius in March 2020.

On Tuesday, November 25, investigations continued with a search at Sattar Hajee Abdoula's residence in Phoenix. During this operation, FCC officials seized mobile phones and a laptop, which will be analyzed by the commission's Forensic Laboratory in the presence of the CEO of Grant Thornton.

At Abdoula's office, the FCC also recovered digital files containing various information related to financial transactions, including a list of SBM clients who received "Non-Performing Loans." These digital files are considered key evidence that may support the investigation into the alleged money laundering offense. Since Sattar Hajee Abdoula's arrest on Wednesday, November 19, investigators have been working to trace the funds and identify any financial irregularities. The seized items are currently undergoing detailed analysis, and further operations may be conducted by the FCC in the coming days as the investigation continues.