Mauritius leasing company linked to drug-related money laundering network

Mauritius’ Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has reportedly identified an important leasing company as being the “common denominator” in a major laundering network benefiting drug traffickers.

The revelation came soon after the anti-graft agency seized eight vehicles – two BMWs, including an M8 series and five 4×4s, including Raptors and a Defender – all allegedly related to a number of nominees of alleged drug lords.

According to the newspaper, businessman Shahwanaz Caunhye, was placed in pre-trial detention while notary Vinay Deelchand was heard under warning on Friday for breach of an attachment order related to a property in Flic-en-Flac.

ICAC investigators are expected to summon officials of this “major leasing company” and confront them with the “concentration of leases granted to drug traffickers.”

“The seizure of vehicles worth over Rs 30 million indicate that drug traffickers have found a way to launder money through this leasing company,” insiders were cited as revealing.

The ICAC is also reportedly expected to alert the Financial Services Commission and the Bank of Mauritius and sound the alarm on abuses and breaches of KYC protocols in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The ICAC has reportedly not revealed the identity of the leasing company “so as not to undermine the integrity of the ongoing investigation”.

Source: Week-End