Dismantling of a Boat Engine Theft Ring: Suspected Drug Trafficking Route Madagascar-Reunion/Mauritius

An investigation carried out by the Northern Divisional Crime Intelligence Unit (DCIU), along with the Trou-aux-Biches and Grand-Baie Criminal Investigation Divisions (CID), has revealed significant findings regarding a network involved in boat engine thefts.

It took three months for the investigators from the DCIU Northern to trace this network. Initially thought to be isolated thefts, the frequency and pattern of these crimes soon led the DCIU Northern to believe it was an organized gang primarily operating from the West region. This group is reportedly specialized in stealing boat engines, including outboard motors, moored in the northern lagoons. The stolen engines are taken from one vessel and installed on another, with the intent of facilitating crossings along the Madagascar–Reunion–Mauritius route for drug trafficking missions.

Six individuals have been arrested in connection with this investigation, which has revealed the shadowy involvement of a figure known as the "boss" from Petite-Rivière. This man, who has recently come under scrutiny from the Financial Crime Commission for money laundering activities, is believed to be involved in preparing vessels for drug transportation missions along this maritime route.

The suspects are also accused of stealing a boat equipped with two engines, valued at Rs 750,000. Besides the lagoons of Trou-aux-Biches, Grand-Baie, and Bain-Bœuf, they have also operated in Circle Square, Forbach, where a Suzuki engine worth Rs 125,000 was stolen from a boat.

In response to these numerous thefts, the DCIU Northern launched a field investigation that led them to Cité Richelieu, Petite-Rivière, where they found Julio Jean Michel Lajoie, 35, who has a prior conviction for drug trafficking. During a search at Lajoie's property, various boats and engines, as well as fishing equipment, were discovered.

To dismantle this network, large-scale operations were conducted by the DCIU Northern, the Maritime Intelligence Cell (MIC), the CID of Trou-aux-Biches, and the Mauritian Police Intervention Group (GIPM). On April 6, Pierre Serge Stellio Victor, 53, a habitual criminal from Cité Richelieu, was arrested. He was positively identified by Julio Jean Michel Lajoie and is suspected of involvement in the boat engine thefts.

As the investigation progressed, the DCIU Northern aimed to track down other network members. Last Tuesday, they arrested Kamlesh Bolaky, 51, from La Tour Koenig. Two years ago, this skipper had been apprehended by the Reunion gendarmerie in 2024 after the fishing boat "Mao" ran aground off the Reunion coast at Champ Borne, Saint-André, on May 30, 2024. During this fishing trip, one of the boat's two engines failed, causing them to drift until reaching the shores of the sister island.

During his interrogation, Kamlesh Bolaky confessed to his involvement in the boat engine theft network and implicated his accomplices: Julio Jean Michel Lajoie, Pierre Serge Stellio Victor, Jean Steve Palletan, and Lallman Gungoo. The latter two are also in custody.

On Thursday, the Grand-Baie CID squad, led by Inspector Mootoo, arrested Jean Cédric Castor from Sainte-Croix. He is suspected of stealing engines from boats moored in the lagoons of Bain-Bœuf and Grand-Baie. During questioning, he admitted to transporting stolen items related to these cases in a car from the North to Sainte-Croix.

Following these multiple arrests, the police are now focusing on the masterminds behind the network.