Betrayed by Their Signs of Wealth: Four Members of the Gurbhoo Clan Under Scrutiny

The authorities are increasing pressure on the Gurbhoo family, who are already involved in drug-related issues. The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) and the Anti Drug & Smuggling Unit (Adsu) conducted raids in Barkly, seizing jewelry, vehicles, and other assets to trace the suspicious sources of their wealth.

In Barkly Residence, Beau-Bassin, the Gurbhoo family has long been associated with drug trafficking due to their history and past arrests. Their visibly extravagant lifestyle had already raised suspicions from the Adsu and FCC regarding illicit enrichment, with a villa and other properties. Their income sources are highly suspected to be linked to drug trafficking.

The FCC and Adsu are now targeting the traffickers' assets to hit them financially and seize properties suspected of being acquired illegally. This week, a new investigation was launched by the Western Division regarding the accumulated wealth of the Gurbhoo family. A meeting between the anti-drug unit and the Commission was organized at Barkly Residence to coordinate the investigation.

The Gurbhoo family, already under scrutiny by authorities, has been re-examined due to visible signs of wealth.

In 2018-2019, their villa, with a swimming pool under construction and estimated at Rs 14 million, was already at the center of an ICAC investigation. Eight years later, on Nelson Mandela Avenue in Barkly, the Adsu raided a now completed and habitable house.

The villa's interior also showcases valuable furnishings and equipment. While no traces of drugs were found during the raid, investigators seized a significant amount of gold jewelry and precious stones: rings, bracelets, chains, watches, and several jewelry boxes. Several vehicles were also confiscated on-site, including a DAF truck, a 4x4, a car, and a Bobcat.

Pascal Gurbhoo, officially a truck driver, was arrested by the FCC and will need to explain the origins of the funds used to finance the villa, as well as the acquisition of movable property and jewelry.

Other family members were also targeted during the raids. At Louis Laval Gurbhoo’s residence, 53, on Iris Avenue, two motorcycles (Suzuki and Pulsar), a Honda Fit, and a quad bike were seized. Louis Laval had previously been involved in a "Controlled Delivery" operation after the seizure of Rs 4.7 million brought back by a South African smuggler.

At Donovan Gurbhoo's home, also on Iris Avenue, a Harley-Davidson and a Reybar motorcycle were sealed by the FCC. In Petit-Verger, Pointe-aux-Sables, the home of Olivier Nicolas Gurbhoo was also raided, resulting in the seizure of Rs 54,000 and a Toyota Hiace van equipped with a high-value audio system. The money and vehicle are suspected to have originated from money laundering.

A Family Already Known to Authorities

The Gurbhoo family has a significant history in drug offenses. In 2018, the Adsu of the West had already uncovered several cases:

• Louis Pascal Gurbhoo was arrested with 1.64 grams of synthetic drugs and Rs 29,525.
• Marie Jessica Manuela Gurbhoo was apprehended with 98 grams of synthetic drugs, trafficking materials, and Rs 24,000.
• Louis Laval Gurbhoo was arrested in March 2017 during a "Controlled Delivery" operation after recovering 316.05 grams of drugs valued at Rs 4.7 million, and he also possessed 7.5 grams of synthetic drugs.
• Donovan Jonathan Gurbhoo, 28, was arrested with 124 cannabis seeds and a pouliah of gandia.
• Hervé Gino Gurbhoo was intercepted with 1,055 doses of heroin intended for sale.

Following the recent raids, only Pascal Gurbhoo has been arrested by the FCC. The other family members have been allowed to return home but remain at the investigators' disposal.