Portrait: An Influence in the Shadows of Power
Sanjiv Ramdanee, a businessman and hotelier, is under the spotlight once again after a brief appearance in the news last February. On February 18, he was questioned by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) regarding an investigation into the seizure of over 113 million rupees. When asked about his connections to Josian Deelawon, a key figure in the case, Ramdanee admitted to knowing him both as a friend and business partner. Since then, he has returned to his preferred discreet lifestyle.
At 60 years old, married, and a father, Sanjiv Ramdanee represents a discreet yet influential Mauritian elite. As the brother of Kobita Jugnauth, the wife of the former Prime Minister, he has maintained a low profile in political circles, opting for behind-the-scenes involvement during his brother-in-law's tenure.
His professional rise is built on a solid educational background: a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Swansea University, followed by an MBA in 1990 from the University of Exeter. In July 2005, he became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dyanavartam Ltd, formerly Mauriplage Beach Resort Ltd, where he is a major shareholder alongside his sister. This group owns a gem of local luxury tourism, the Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, as well as The Sands Resort & Spa, which he manages with a perfectionist's attention to detail, according to his colleagues.
Under his leadership, Maradiva has positioned itself as a sought-after destination, combining operational excellence with meticulous attention to detail. Although he maintains a low political profile, where he did hold some influence when his brother-in-law was in power, he is passionate about elegance, displaying an affinity for symbols of refinement: Rolls-Royce cars, Rolex watches, and social events. He can be seen at the Cannes Film Festival or the Royal Ascot, which he described in 2018 to the French magazine Point de Vue as "the must-attend event for the gentry," where "it’s good to see and especially to be seen."
During Pravind Jugnauth's years in power, he showcased this lifestyle on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, sharing numerous snapshots of his travels and encounters with elites.
Controversies
However, this sophisticated veneer conceals persistent shadows. In 2019, Sanjiv Ramdanee was implicated in the Film Rebate Scheme, a subsidy program for foreign film productions shot in Mauritius. Documents suggest his role in the controversial increase of the reimbursement rate from 30% to 40%, particularly benefiting the Hollywood film Serenity, for which part of the crew stayed at Maradiva. Lawyer Akil Bissessur, close to the Labour Party, filed a complaint with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (now replaced by the FCC) on October 14, 2019, alleging irregularities amounting to 214 million rupees. Although the complaint did not lead to any action, it revived allegations of favoritism.
In 2022, a new controversy erupted: the Mauritius Investment Corporation, a subsidiary of the Bank of Mauritius, granted Rs 650 million to Mauriplage Beach Resort Ltd while Pravind Jugnauth was leading the government.
Last July, during a parliamentary session, Patrick Assirvaden, a deputy in the Ministry of Tourism, revealed a "very close, even exclusive" relationship between the MTPA and the Maradiva and Mauriplage Beach Resort Ltd, which led to undue advantages and possible favoritism. The case was referred to the FCC for investigation.
Assirvaden explained that between 2016 and 2024, the MTPA spent Rs 5.6 million to participate in the prestigious Royal Ascot (UK) alongside Maradiva, but payments were made directly to Mauriplage without evidence that the money reached the organizers. In 2024, Rs 1.47 million (£25,000) was channeled through the British representative of the MTPA before reaching Maradiva, without clear justification.
Other highlighted points include unauthorized commitments (by former director Arvind Bundhun) for the 2024 Snow Polo World Cup in Switzerland, which was ultimately canceled, exposing the MTPA to a lawsuit of Rs 2.7 million; unauthorized payments of over Rs 360,000 using the MTPA card for the Financial Times 2020 conference (Bundhun and Ramdanee); and funding in 2021 for airline tickets for a press trip exclusively benefiting Maradiva.
Another issue revealed that day involved the "Maradiva White Party" in October 2024 (the day before elections): Rs 450,000 of public funds allegedly used to bring four Eastern European dancers, presented under false identities as "influencers" or "journalists." However, to date, Sanjiv Ramdanee has faced no convictions.
