🇲🇺MauritiusEast Africa
FCC investigation into alleged romance scam uncovers 35 victims and Rs 40 million in losses
via Le Mauricien3 min read
The Financial Crimes Commission FCC is investigating Hemraj Manohur, 64, in connection with an alleged romance scam that has reportedly affected 35 victims, with 15 already interviewed. The alleged losses are estimated at Rs 40 million, a figure that may increase as the investigation continues. Hemraj Manohur is accused of building trust and romantic relationships with victims, many of whom were facing personal difficulties such as widowhood or having sick spouses, before convincing them to hand over significant sums of money under various pretexts. The FCC has also arrested Hemkaran Manohur, 57, a relative of Hemraj Manohur, on a provisional charge of money laundering. A sum of Rs 800,000 credited to Hemkaran Manohur's bank account in April 2021 is suspected to be linked to the alleged activities. A search of his home led to the seizure of two vehicles and several documents. Hemraj Manohur, arrested on June 3, faces two provisional money laundering charges, which he denies, and the FCC opposes his bail. The investigation is expected to continue for several weeks, with new victims coming forward and judicial orders being obtained to analyze financial documents. The case highlights the emotional and financial suffering of individuals allegedly manipulated by the suspect.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Kolektif 420, an advocacy group, is urging the public to pressure Mauritian authorities to legalize cannabis while simultaneously combating the illegal drug trade. This call comes as Mauritius faces a significant synthetic drug problem, ranking first among six African countries identified by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC for synthetic drug consumption and seventh globally out of 193 member countries. Statistics reveal over 1600 cases related to synthetic drugs since January 2025 and 1068 drivers testing positive for synthetic drugs. Nitish Joganah of Kolektif 420, alongside singer Sky To Be, emphasized the potential of cannabis legalization to address the hard drug issue, echoing sentiments from a 1999 concert. Sky To Be, who has experienced addiction, stressed the need for clear regulations regarding accessibility, legal age, and quality control if cannabis is legalized. Jean Emmanuel Sournoise, vice-president of Kolektif 420, invited Mauritians to a peaceful march on June 27 in Port Louis, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Stephane Brochet, another member, shared his family's struggles with drug addiction, highlighting the need for support and care for addicts. The article notes that 2025 marks a century of cannabis prohibition internationally and in Mauritius, despite its historical medicinal use and earlier regulated sale. Medical cannabis was legalized in Mauritius in November 2022, and the Drug User Ad
On June 7, 2026, the Mauritian community in France gathered at Sainte-Anne parish in Paris to pay tribute to Joseph Nicolas Émilien, known as Ras Natty Baby, a pioneering seggae artist. This emotional celebration, organized by the Mauritian chaplaincy in France, occurred over a month after his passing in India on April 26 from an illness. Parents, friends, and members of the Mauritian diaspora shared a moment of remembrance for the artist, who was born in Baie-Topaze, Rodrigues, and was known for his unique blend of sega and reggae music. Ras Natty Baby had a lasting impact on Mauritius's musical landscape and deeply influenced several generations. The commemorative event was initiated by Françoise Buan, a close friend of the artist, and organized in collaboration with Pauline Laviolette, vice-president of the Mauritian chaplaincy, with the agreement of Salem Émilien, the singer's son. The ceremony, presided over by Father Narindra-Augustin Andriamanampisoa from the diocese of Antsirabe in Madagascar, took place in the crypt of Sainte-Anne church. Attendees shared songs, prayers, and testimonies, honoring Ras Natty Baby's musical and human legacy. Roger, president of the AZIR association, shared a personal memory, stating that Ras Natty Baby's memory remains intact. The mass also marked one of Father Narindra-Augustin Andriamanampisoa's final Parisian celebrations before returning to Madagascar. Following the religious service, a communal meal was held in the presbytery court
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