[Search at Grant Thornton] The FCC Traces the Leads of a Political-Financial Influence System
The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) conducted a major operation this week at the headquarters of Grant Thornton in Ébène as part of the investigation into its CEO, Sattar Hajee Abdoula. On Monday, November 24, investigators first searched the firm's offices before heading to the home of its leader, who is already facing charges in a suspected money laundering case. What initially appeared to be a routine check ultimately revealed elements that could shed light on the controversial allocation of several public contracts between 2020 and 2024.
Seizures That Raise Questions: Rare Alcohol, Hidden Cash, and Luxury Goods
On the 9th floor of Ébène Tower, FCC agents discovered more than just an ordinary office. In two minibars, they cataloged 45 bottles of high-end alcohol, some reserved for duty-free sale. In a modified drawer, they uncovered Rs 400,000 in cash, neatly organized by denomination. Elsewhere, valuable watches and branded pens completed a carefully preserved collection.
A safe was also taken, its opening requiring the presence of Sattar Hajee Abdoula. Although these items are not evidence in themselves, they depict an environment where private affairs, billed services, and cash transactions raise red flags for investigators.
Sensitive Digital Files
The investigations took an even more delicate turn the following day. At Phoenix, at the CEO's residence, the FCC seized mobile phones and a laptop that will be analyzed by experts. However, the most sensitive discovery was made at Grant Thornton's headquarters: digital files containing information related to clients of SBM who benefited from non-performing loans.
These documents, internally labeled as "potentially incriminating pieces," open a parallel line of inquiry: possible overlaps between sensitive banking files and paid advisory activities. This raises questions that had already been present at the time: who had access to what, and for what purpose?
At the Heart of the Case: A Rs 3.6 Million Contract Awarded Without Safeguards?
The investigation revolves around a central issue: the awarding of a Rs 3.6 million "Advisory Services" contract to Grant Thornton by Air Mauritius in March 2020. According to the FCC, several essential steps outlined in internal procedures were allegedly not followed. An officer-in-charge at the airline is suspected of having approved this contract without conducting the mandatory checks.
Grant Thornton, for its part, claims it received only 50% of the contract amount, while investigators believe payments may have been made even before the services were finalized. The disparity between the accounts only increases the FCC's interest in accounting documents, internal correspondence, and files extracted from the firm’s servers.
An Influence System? The FCC Traces the Decision Chain
Monday's operation is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader effort to understand whether, between 2020 and 2024, a system of favoritism or influence allowed certain firms to secure major public contracts.
Investigators want to determine:
- Why was Grant Thornton favored over other recognized firms?
- Whether political or administrative pressures influenced decisions;
- And whether some approvals were given outside compliance standards.
Every seized document—signature, recommendation, financial note, internal email—is now being analyzed as a piece of a much larger puzzle than just the Air Mauritius contract.
A Case Far from Closed
Further raids are not ruled out, and the recovered digital data could open new avenues of investigation. As the FCC dissects financial flows and traces the decision chain, one certainty emerges: the Grant Thornton case could illuminate a period where technocracy, private interests, and state decisions dangerously intersected.
An intersection that investigators now intend to analyze piece by piece.
Sattar Hajee Abdoula's Bail Motion Postponed to December 2
The request for bail for Sattar Hajee Abdoula has been postponed to December 2, as the hearing could not proceed due to his hospitalization at C-Care Wellkin clinic. The Grant Thornton CEO remains under observation following surgery and experiencing nighttime respiratory issues.
In court, his lawyer, Me Raouf Gulbul, explained that his client would only be able to attend the hearing once his condition stabilizes, and a medical certificate will be provided to justify his absence. Inspector Kewoo, representing the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), confirmed that Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital lacked the necessary equipment to treat his sleep apnea, which necessitated his transfer to the private clinic.
The postponement has direct implications for the investigation, as certain critical steps—namely the opening of the seized safes and examination of sensitive documents and items—require the accused's presence. The FCC views this case as strategic, linked to tracing financial flows in the Rs 3.6 million "Advisory Services" contract paid by Air Mauritius.