Rajesh Bhagwan discusses new bill to avoid FATF greylisting and introduce ecocide crime
via Le Mauricien3 min read
The Minister of Environment, Rajesh Bhagwan, highlighted the global economy's reliance on international trade, which reached USD 33 trillion in 2024, representing 60% of global GDP, with financial services playing a crucial role. He warned of risks associated with massive capital flows, particularly in the offshore sector, which he described as a breeding ground for white-collar criminals due to shell companies and complex arrangements. Bhagwan referenced past scandals like the Panama Papers, Pandora Papers, Mauritius Leaks, and Paradise Papers, which damaged Mauritius's international image and led to sanctions. To address these issues, he advocated for the Anti-Money Laundering, Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Countering Proliferation Financing Bill, stating its goal is to align Mauritius with the latest international standards set by the FATF and avoid re-inscription on the "grey list." He emphasized the need for annual progress despite having until 2027 to comply with FATF's 40 recommendations, warning of significant and lasting economic, financial, and reputational consequences for non-compliance. The bill also amends the Environment Act 2024, introducing new provisions to penalize deliberate evasion of environmental protection fees, including criminalizing false declarations and imposing substantial sanctions on those who mislead the Director General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority. Penalties include fines between Rs 100,000 and Rs 500,000, imprisonment up t
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced in the National Assembly that Mauritius recorded 1,560 drug-related cases and seizures valued at Rs 1.3 billion between January and July 8, 2026. He emphasized that combating drug trafficking remains a government priority. Law enforcement has intensified operations, conducting 90 patrols in high-risk areas in June alone. The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit ADSU is receiving increased staffing and equipment, and is collaborating with the Financial Crimes Commission to dismantle trafficking networks. A new radar surveillance system for coastal areas, funded by the Japanese government, is expected to be operational by December to enhance detection of maritime trafficking. The Mauritius Revenue Authority is also strengthening controls at ports and airports with new equipment and increased surveillance. Additionally, the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026-2030 outlines a comprehensive approach involving repression, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, in partnership with various ministries and international organizations.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Sarah Troutman is visiting Mauritius this week to enhance trade relations and explore new opportunities for exchanges, investments, and business partnerships. During her visit, she will witness Mauritius's signing of the Artemis Accords, joining the US and 69 other nations in a framework for peaceful and responsible space cooperation. She will also attend the signing of an Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement to bolster logistics cooperation between the US and Mauritius in security, disaster management, and humanitarian aid. Troutman will join the President of Mauritius, Dharam Gokhool, at the construction site of the future US Embassy in Bagatelle for a ceremony marking the completion of the public reception building's structure. This new embassy signifies a 100-year investment in Mauritius and reflects the enduring partnership between the two countries. Discussions during the visit will also cover preparations for the US-Africa Business Summit, which Mauritius will host from December 6 to 9 this year. The summit will bring together government officials, business leaders, and investors from the US and Africa to foster economic partnerships and promote growth. Troutman's visit underscores the US's ongoing commitment to deepening commercial cooperation with Mauritius and supporting a dynamic, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic relationship.
Must ReadThe CCT Africa 2026 summit, a pan-African executive event for cloud, content, and telecoms, commenced in Mauritius, gathering 150 CEOs and senior executives from 88 organizations across 26 countries. Hosted by Mauritius Telecom for the fourth consecutive year, the summit reinforces Mauritius's growing role as a trusted meeting point for African leaders to forge partnerships and advance the continent's digital agenda. Mauritius was chosen for its stability, international connectivity, financial and investment capabilities, digital infrastructure, and institutional credibility, positioning it as a natural platform for high-level African dialogue and a bridge between African and Asian markets. The invitation-only summit focuses on developing digital infrastructure and connectivity, bringing together leaders from operator, service provider, cloud, data center, content, finance, and investment communities for direct exchanges. Its participatory format includes expert-led panels and structured networking, with dedicated working groups continuing throughout the year to transform dialogue into concrete initiatives. Rachel Jones, founder of CCT Events and the summit organizer, highlighted that the event, launched in 2023 with support from founding partners Angola Cables, WIOCC, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, has become a key reference for Africa's digital infrastructure ecosystem. Mauritius Telecom's role as host partner underscores its ambition to connect ecosystems across Afri