Alleged Money Laundering Network - Car Rentals: The Link Between Luchoo and Greedhur?

Three hundred vehicles, Rs 12 million in cash, and several companies with intertwined activities: FCC investigators are tackling what appears to be a sophisticated financial scheme.

What is the connection between Harris Bans Greedhur, the man with Rs 12 million, and Avinash Luchoo, known as Poum, the successful businessman from Goodlands? Those close to them claim they only have family ties and their only commonality is living in the same neighborhood of Madame Azor in Goodlands. However, investigators from Réduit Triangle have a different perspective. As of the weekend, they began forensic examination and analysis of two companies owned by Harris Bans Greedhur. The first, Mauriconnect Car Rental (Mauritius) Ltd, specializes in car rentals and tour operator services. The second, Tan & Tej Ltd, also focuses on vehicle rentals, car washing, and contractor services for vehicles.

An initial estimate of the vehicle fleet of these companies suggests it comprises about 300 vehicles. This week, Harris Bans Greedhur will need to explain to investigators how he financed the acquisition of this significant fleet, a large portion of which is rented out to foreigners upon their arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport in Plaisance.

Investigators strongly suspect a connection between Poum Luchoo and Harris Bans Greedhur, believing the latter may be acting as a front for Luchoo's business dealings and that his companies — Mauriconnect Car Rental and Tan & Tej Ltd — could be shell companies.

The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) also has information regarding Poum Luchoo's involvement, through Poum Transport, in long-term car rentals, primarily of Suzuki vehicles. The FCC is trying to determine whether the duo of Luchoo and Greedhur is involved in a money laundering scheme via a large car rental network. The investigation mainly focuses on the Rs 12 million seized from Bans Greedhur last Thursday. Investigators aim to find out if funds from dubious or illegal activities were injected by this duo into the sector.

In Réduit Triangle, this week, investigators will be mobilized to scrutinize the various entities managed by Poum Luchoo. The high-end beauty salon owned by the Luchoo couple, "Elegant Beauty Salon," also piques the FCC's interest, particularly for its luxurious investments in Pointe-aux-Canonniers, as well as its fleet of prestigious vehicles: Ford Mustang, Porsche Cayman, Ford Raptor, Land Rover, Harley-Davidson, among others. These vehicles have already been sealed by the commission since last Thursday.

As of today, Poum Luchoo and his alleged frontman Harris Bans Greedhur are behind bars after their provisional charges for money laundering were presented in Pamplemousses court last Friday.

From Food Truck to Porsche: The Troubling Empire of Poum Luchoo

Another aspect of this sprawling network, which has been engaging investigators from Réduit Triangle since the end of last week, relates to the multiple businesses managed by Poum Luchoo. Besides being suspected of colluding with Harris Bans Greedhur in the car rental business, Poum Luchoo heads companies covering diverse sectors such as gas stations (Poum Northern Fuel Station Co Ltd), recycling (Poum Recycling Ltd), and real estate transactions (Poum Properties Ltd).

Starting from a yellow fast-food truck — "La Cuisine Roulante: Chez Poum" — located on Mon Choisy beach, this local has experienced a meteoric rise. He has also ventured into sandalwood trading through his company Poum Sandal Wood Ltd, which specializes in the export of this precious wood.

Described as a jewel in perfumery, sandalwood is highly valued for its exceptional fragrance and the quality of its essential oil. In Mauritius, since August 2021, this precious wood — primarily cultivated in coastal regions — has been declared a protected plant. Once cut, the pieces of sandalwood, also known as Chandan, are exported to India and Dubai, among other destinations.