Sanjay Dawoodarry: "The FCC Seized Rs 9.9 Billion in Assets"
Sanjay Dawoodarry: "The FCC Seized Rs 9.9 Billion in Assets"
Nasif Joomratty
Wed, 10/12/2025 - 11:30
The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) has seized assets valued at Rs 9.9 billion in 2025. This was stated by Tritudeo (Sanjay) Dawoodarry, Acting Director of the FCC, during his address on December 9, as part of International Anti-Corruption Day. The interim director of the FCC spoke at a workshop titled "Fighting Corruption and Advancing Social Justice" at the commission's headquarters in Reduit Triangle.
The ceremony was attended by Professor Thuli Madonsela, a prominent figure in public integrity in South Africa. This year's theme, "Corruption? No thank you!", emphasizes the shared responsibility to uphold integrity and justice. Johanne Hague, a lawyer and director of CMS Prism, moderated the forum.
Addressing the guest of honor, Sanjay Dawoodarry reminded that Madonsela's principles illustrate the importance of integrity, especially during her investigations into State Capture crimes. He stated that integrity and accountability are not optional.
Commenting on criticisms against the FCC, Tritudeo Dawoodarry dismissed claims that the commission only targets "small fish." "Our ongoing investigations target assets worth Rs 32 billion. To date, the FCC has obtained the freezing of assets valued at Rs 9.9 billion." These figures pertain to the year 2025, since the new management was established at Reduit Triangle following the November 2024 elections. He emphasized that assets and amounts of such magnitude cannot come from just "small fish."
He also announced that the commission has returned Rs 15 million in cash to those affected by financial crimes. He reassured that the commission is guided by the law and is not swayed by assets, influential individuals, or threats. "We are working on our shortcomings in these areas and we will become effective," he stated.
Investigations and Challenges
He explained that the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index has kept Mauritius in roughly the same position over the past few years. He acknowledged certain criticisms regarding the duration of investigations, the conditional release of suspects, and high-profile cases that end without prosecution. He admitted that there are huge challenges, but asserted that progress has been made, reminding that investigations require often hard-to-obtain evidence.
Over 2,500 investigations are ongoing, with limited staff at the commission. According to him, complex financial systems are intentionally set up to prevent the truth from emerging, including shell companies and offshore bank accounts. "We must act with precision," he added.
Tritudeo Dawoodarry also addressed the conditional release of suspects. He explained that the FCC acts within the legal framework. "Our judicial system means that conditional release after arrests is the norm. Exceptions are rare." He clarified that the commission operates in accordance with the Bail Act.
He emphasized the role of education and prevention. He indicated that the commission has conducted Financial Crimes Prevention Reviews within the Central Water Authority to identify internal weaknesses. He also specified that the FCC is currently working with the police and the Prime Minister's office to improve the formula surrounding Reward Money. This issue led to the arrests of former commissioner Anil Kumar Dip and several high-ranking officials suspected of embezzlement and abuse of their positions.
Conviction
Tritudeo Dawoodarry explained that the actions of the FCC are at the core of national progress, promoting reform, decisive action, and a culture of accountability, in collaboration with law enforcement, regulators, international partners, and civil society. He praised the work of investigators, analysts, prosecutors, and FCC teams, who have accumulated over 25,000 overtime hours in the last ten months. They are guided by conviction.
He also stressed the fight against drug trafficking, a scourge that destroys families and institutions. "Through the National Coordination Committee, which includes the FCC, the MRA, the police, the DPP's office, and stakeholders, information is shared. The seizure of assets linked to drug traffickers strikes at the heart of criminal networks. This fight against financial crime requires sustainable partnerships and coordinated action," he specified.
This day goes beyond mere idea exchange: "Corruption robs the poorest, betrays the vulnerable, and compromises the future of the country. We fight it not because it is easy, but because the future of our children depends on it," said the head of the FCC. He urged all stakeholders to fully engage to strengthen integrity, justice, and Mauritius's credibility on the international stage.