Accused of Money Laundering by the FCC: Sattar Hajee Abdoula Transferred to Clinic for Sleep Apnea

Sattar Hajee Abdoula, the CEO of Grant Thornton, has been transferred to a private clinic after it was revealed in court that his sleep apnea could not be treated at Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital.

During a hearing before Magistrate Inshirah Shaheen Daureeawoo on Wednesday, November 26, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Abdoula, an accountant and businessman facing charges from the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), was absent from court. His lawyer, Me Raouf Gulbul, informed the court that his client was "currently admitted to C-Care Wellkin clinic where he is receiving medical treatment and has not yet received discharge approval."

Inspector Kewoo from the FCC clarified the circumstances surrounding this absence. He explained that during the hearing on November 20, Abdoula had complained about his health. He was transported to Dr. Abdool Gaffoor Jeetoo Hospital in Port Louis but was unable to receive the necessary care there, as the facility lacked the equipment to treat his sleep apnea. Consequently, he "could not close his eyes," the investigator noted. Due to this shortcoming, he was transferred to the private C-Care Wellkin clinic.

Surgical Operation

According to Inspector Kewoo, the accused has since undergone surgery and remains under the supervision of a cardiologist. As his condition still requires medical observation, Me Raouf Gulbul requested a postponement of the hearing concerning his bail application. The magistrate granted this request and scheduled the next appearance for December 2.

Sattar Hajee Abdoula, the CEO of Grant Thornton (Advisory Services) Ltd and a resident of Phoenix, faces a provisional charge of money laundering. The FCC alleges that he was in possession of Rs 3.6 million deposited into his company’s bank account at AfrAsia Bank. The regulatory body suspects that these funds originated from illicit activities committed on March 31, 2020.