Cat fight among 3 top Mauritius agencies taking an ugly turn

After having been in bad terms with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for years, the Integrity Reporting Services Agency (IRSA) of Mauritius is reportedly now being attacked by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) over its alleged lack of effectiveness.

According to Defi Media, the background to the conflict lies in the government plans to set up a Financial Crime Commission (FCC).

“Moves are underway for IRSA to be dissolved and be absorbed by the ICAC or FIU. This would be announced in the Finance Minister’s next Budget speech,” the newspaper reported.

It cited an FIU spokesperson as claiming that illicit funds confiscated by the IRSA so far are insignificant.

“The staff salaries, legal fees and other administrative costs of this agency are much higher than the money it has been able to seize.”

Reacting to the attacks, an IRSA representative was cited as deploring the “unhealthy attitude” of the ICAC and the FIU against the agency.

“It’s a power game to get control of the new agency (Financial Crime Commission).”

On its results, the IRSA denounced the ICAC’s unwillingness to fully collaborate. “This is why we have filed a case in court (Supreme Court) against ICAC to hold it accountable.”

“Everything is being done so that we end up under the supervision of another institution.”

Original article at: Defi Media