DPP appeals against stay of proceedings for former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam in safe deposit box case

The DPP argues it is in the public interest that courts do not create a sense of impunity for Mauritian politicians, especially if they consistently claim political vendetta in prosecutions against them. The appeal is based on 14 points and has been communicated to Mr. Ramgoolam's legal team. The DPP also intends to request an Early Trial in the Supreme Court due to the nature of the case and the respondent's status.

This appeal marks another development in a case that began with Mr. Ramgoolam's arrest on February 6, 2015. After a series of legal proceedings, including a previous appeal by the DPP that led to a new trial order from the Supreme Court in August 2022, the Financial Crimes Division FCD of the Intermediate Court ordered a stay of proceedings on June 8. Mr. Ramgoolam faced 23 charges of "wilful and unlawful acceptance of payment in cash in excess of Rs 500,000" under the Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act FIAMLA, following the discovery of approximately Rs 200 million in safes at his residence.

The FCD magistrates, Bibi Razia Janoo-Jaunboccus and Abdool Rahim Tajoodeen, focused on omissions in the police investigation, noting that the police did not investigate certain elements brought to their attention by the acc