Harel Mallac Technologies linked to Rs600m Mauritius ID card controversy

Reform Party leader Roshi Bhadain’s allegations about the Rs 27 million commission that a minister allegedly tried to bag on the new national ID card project has taken a new twist with Harel Mallac Technologies openly linked to the controversy.

Two of Harel Mallac technologies’ senior executives were allegedly part of the scheme.

According to reports, the contract for the project – initially budgeted for Rs230 million but ended up costing Rs600 million – was signed at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The Ministry of Information Technology (ICT) was responsible for the technical side of the project. 

Harel Mallac Technologies Ltd bagged the contract as part of a venture with an international firm.

In a statement, Harel Mallac Technologies Ltd said it has “strong internal procedures” for good governance procedures that are applied across all its operations.

“However, in view of the nature of the allegations, the company decided to appoint one of the Big Four accounting firms with immediate effect, for a comprehensive fact-finding audit.”

Opposition MP Osman Mohamed (Labour) questionned the need to rush for new ID cards.

“What is the real motive behind rushing to make new ID cards? How can we spend such a huge amount of money when our economy is doing badly?” he was cited as asking.

According to Bhadain, the Rs 27 million bribe disguised as Consultancy Fee, were to be paid in Singapore and one of the two executives of HMT was allegedly going to be appointed on the Board of the State Bank of Mauritius. 

Sources: L’Express, Defi Media