Conditional Release: Pravind Jugnauth Demands the Identities of Individuals He Cannot Interfere With

One condition of his conditional release is that he cannot interfere with witnesses. Former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, asked the Financial Crimes Commission to disclose the identities of the individuals he cannot interfere with. This request was made during his appearance at the Pamplemousses court.

Arrested on February 15, 2025, Pravind Jugnauth faces a provisional charge of money laundering following the seizure of Rs 114 million. The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) accuses him of concealing a significant amount of cash, in Mauritian rupees and foreign currencies, amounting to Rs 114 million, through Josian Laval Deelawon.

During the hearing, Me Raouf Gulbul, the former PM's lawyer, explained that during the discussions about the former Prime Minister's release request in February 2025, the FCC had indicated it was aware of the identities of the witnesses in this case and would record their testimonies.

Me Raouf Gulbul pointed out that under the Bail Act and the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) Act, failing to comply with a condition of conditional release constitutes an offense. The lawyer emphasized that the FCC has an obligation to inform his client of the identities of the people he cannot interfere with, especially since he is a public figure. The FCC's position is expected on February 26, 2026.

Additionally, Devianee Ramchurn, Deputy Mayor of Vacoas/Phoenix, Josian Laval Deelawon, director of My Holiday Ltd, and Chandradeo Oomah, accountant at My Holiday Ltd, also appeared in this case. They face a provisional charge of money laundering. The investigation is ongoing, and they are required to appear in court again on June 16, 2026.

Me Raouf Gulbul stated: "We do not want to face a danger that could expose my client to prosecution."

After leaving the court, Me Raouf Gulbul explained the reasons for his request. "Pravind Jugnauth is a public figure; every day people are coming to him, he is dealing with people, there is a danger that exists. We do not want to face a danger that might expose my client to prosecution..." the lawyer explained. He maintained that it is Pravind Jugnauth's constitutional right under Article 13 to know the identities of those involved in this case with whom he cannot interfere. "In our legal system, he needs to know what he can do, what he cannot do, who he can interact with; there must be certainty about that; this is the law," Me Raouf Gulbul noted.

During his lawyer's intervention, Pravind Jugnauth remarked to journalists: "If the FCC interviews you in my case, then what are we talking about? There will be problems, and that is exactly what we want to avoid." The former Prime Minister refrained from commenting on politics following a journalist's question: "We are in court, discussing my case..."