Fraud Amounting to Rs 20 Million: The Chokupermal Couple and a Niece Arrested by the FCC

The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) arrested three individuals on Friday in connection with a fraud case involving residential permits. Three luxury cars, valuable watches, and computer equipment were seized.

On the morning of December 12, the FCC conducted a large-scale operation related to an estimated Rs 20 million fraud. Two simultaneous raids were carried out in Moka and Albion, resulting in the seizure of three luxury vehicles—a BMW, a Mercedes, and a Land Rover—along with valuable watches, computer equipment (tablets, hard drives, cell phones), and bank statements.

Priscilla Chokupermal, already known to the commission, and her husband Harry Saminaden Chokupermal were arrested. A third alleged accomplice, Milena, a niece of the couple, was later apprehended. After their interrogation, Harry Saminaden Chokupermal and Milena were presented before the Port-Louis court on Friday, while Priscilla Chokupermal appeared before the Moka court. Provisional charges of fraud were filed against the three suspects.

Fraudulent Advertisements on Facebook

The FCC suspects Milena of acting as a front for financial activities within banks, benefiting the alleged mastermind of the operation, Priscilla Chokupermal, who has previously been convicted of money laundering by the Financial Crime Division. Investigators found that the seized vehicles were registered in the name of the suspect's niece after their purchase.

The fraud was reportedly committed through Facebook, where the main suspect posted ads offering services to obtain residential permits for foreigners in exchange for payment. The money was allegedly used to purchase luxury vehicles.

It all began with a complaint from a Scottish individual to the FCC. The complainant reported seeing a "Consultancy" company on social media that offered assistance with the procedures for obtaining a Residential Permit in Mauritius. The company, run by Priscilla Chokupermal, allegedly had a South African as a key player, according to the investigation.

The complainant informed the FCC in a complaint dated November 13 of this year that the company demanded $35,000 (equivalent to Rs 1.6 million) for obtaining this residential permit, but he never received anything in return.

Luxury Vehicles Purchased with Embezzled Funds

The FCC established that with the help of a front, the Chokupermal couple deceived several victims. Activities within the company were conducted under Milena's name. The investigation revealed that in June 2025, three vehicles were allegedly acquired by Priscilla Chokupermal's company: a BMW registered in 2019, a Mercedes registered in July 2025 (Rs 6.2 million), and a Range Rover registered in December 2024 for Rs 7.8 million.

On October 27, activist Bruneau Laurette also called for an investigation into a "trafficking of Residential Permits" in a complaint to the FCC. He raised several suspicious elements surrounding the issuance of Residential Permits under the previous regime, involving South African nationals.

The FCC's investigation is now exploring several other leads. The commission is urging any other victims who have been deceived to come forward and file complaints against the suspects.