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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A working meeting of the subcommittee on internal security of the Mauritius–Reunion/France "Contact Group" was held at the Central Barracks, focusing on strengthening regional security cooperation. Institutions from both Mauritius and Reunion, including the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit ADSU, gendarmerie, French national police, Financial Crimes Commission FCC, and the Ministry of Land Transport, participated. Police Commissioner Rampersad Sooroojebally emphasized that French presence demonstrates a commitment to making security a priority through consultation, intelligence, and concerted action against all forms of criminality. He noted that current threats, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, public disorder, and road safety risks, transcend island borders, requiring a global, integrated, and coherent response. Sooroojebally highlighted the fight against narcotics as a core priority, aiming to disrupt it from production to distribution and the reintegration of illicit funds into the economy. He also stressed the importance of combating money laundering through enhanced detection capabilities and information sharing, stating that no country or institution can act alone against transnational crimes. Road safety was also discussed, with Sooroojebally linking risky behaviors to broader issues like illicit substance use and lack of responsibility. French Ambassador to Mauritius, Frédéric Bontems, underscored that international criminal networks know no borders and that th
The Hugs for a Smile project, a collaboration between Senator For a Smile and Media Five, recently launched 3D Printed Sensorial dominos at the Autisme Maurice School in Quatre-Bornes. This initiative, unveiled at the close of Autism Awareness Month, aims to provide innovative educational tools for autistic children. The dominos are designed to be playful, inclusive, and stimulating, featuring textures and visual cues tailored to the specific sensory needs of these children. Unlike standard dominos, these are 3D printed from biodegradable filaments, making them flexible and safe, even with rough handling. Each piece is embossed and brightly colored to stimulate fine motor skills and sensory abilities. Adarsh Durga, president of Senator For a Smile, explained that the project arose from educators' need for adapted tools, leveraging 3D printing for customizable and evolving supports. Nisha Bhakhareea, director of Media Five Ltd, emphasized the importance of creating stimulating and inclusive school environments, advocating for "Feel Good" classrooms. Lisa Juganaikloo, director of Autisme Maurice School, welcomed the contribution, highlighting its role in strengthening learning and developing adapted educational approaches for the over 50 children at the center. The dominos will aid in motor skills, color recognition, and manipulation. The school also offers sensory classes and parent meetings, and last year launched the Atelier Kestrel for employability skills. Autisme Maurice
Must ReadThe Financial Crimes Commission FCC has forwarded the case file concerning former Attorney General Maneesh Gobin, related to the "Stag Party & Black Label" operation, to the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP, Rashid Ahmine, Senior Counsel. The DPP will now decide on the next steps for the investigation. This information was presented in an affidavit to the Supreme Court on Wednesday by Atish Roopchand on behalf of the FCC, as part of a proceeding initiated by Vivay Vivek Kanum Pursun against the FCC and the Commissioner of Police. The investigation began in February 2025 when Maneesh Gobin, former Minister of Agro-Industry, was arrested on alleged corruption charges and later released on bail. Investigators are looking into accusations of illicit payments totaling Rs 3.5 million concerning the allocation of a lease for approximately 250 hectares of land in the Grand-Bassin region. The affidavit, signed by FCC Chief Investigator Poonoosamy Moonesawmy, confirms that all investigations are complete. Several interrogation sessions with the former minister were conducted in 2025. The file was previously submitted to the DPP's office last September but was returned to the FCC for review of several representations. After these steps were completed, investigators resubmitted the file to the prosecutor's office on April 30 of this year. During the hearing, Sanjeev Teeluckdharry stated that his client, Vivek Pursun, is no longer pursuing his legal request. Pursun had sought authoriza
Must ReadThree individuals evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which experienced a rare hantavirus outbreak resulting in three passenger deaths, have been repatriated to Europe for medical care. The remaining passengers are confined to the ship, with no one exhibiting symptoms as of Thursday, awaiting disembarkation in the Canary Islands. The MV Hondius is currently en route from Cape Verde to Tenerife, Spain, and is expected to arrive this weekend, with passenger evacuation planned for early next week. Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, confirmed that no one on board is currently symptomatic. The hantavirus, for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment, can be contracted through contact with rodents. The Andes strain, identified in infected passengers, is the only one known for human-to-human transmission. The World Health Organization stated that the initial infection occurred before the expedition began on April 1, as the first deceased passenger, a 70-year-old Dutchman, showed symptoms by April 6. The incubation period for the virus is typically two to three weeks, suggesting the first person infected was exposed before boarding the ship, likely through a rodent. The three deceased passengers were a Dutch septuagenarian, his wife, and a German woman. One man is hospitalized in Johannesburg, another in Zurich, and three people were evacuated from the ship via Cape Verde on Wednesday. Two arrived in Amsterdam, with one receiving care at Leiden University Medic