Audio Leaks: Potential Interference in Government Tender Processes

Recent leaks of audio recordings attributed to “Missier Moustass” raise serious concerns regarding interference in public tender processes by high-ranking officials. The latest installment, released on Thursday morning, November 7, features conversations allegedly involving Kobita Jugnauth, the wife of the Prime Minister, suggesting her involvement in influencing tender exercises and other significant decisions, including strategies aimed at displacing the former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Tender Manipulations in Metro Express Contract

In the initial episode of this audio series, discussions revolved around an open tender for security services connected to the Metro Express Limited, in which the company Edmond Security Services reportedly participated.

The recording featured a dialogue between an individual identified as Kobita Jugnauth (referred to as VOICE 1) and Ken Arian (VOICE 2), the former Chief Executive Officer of Airport Holdings Ltd and an advisor at the Prime Minister’s Office during the relevant time.

It emerged that Edmond Security Services did not secure the anticipated contract.

The recording captures VOICE 1 inquiring, “When a tender is awarded, is there a time frame when people can contest it?”

VOICE 2 confirmed this information. VOICE 1 further suggested that “Sachin should make an appeal,” while VOICE 2 reassured her that he has already discussed the matter with a person named Alan.

He stated, “I’m waiting for Sachin to come; I’ll see what we need to do. I told him if we need to revisit or cancel anything, we’ll handle it.”

Despite these assurances, VOICE 1 disagreed, asserting, “We cannot revisit this tender without valid reason; it would appear suspicious.

The second tenderer must be allowed to appeal; then the tender can be frozen, and we can restart the process.”

VOICE 2 seemed to agree with her suggestions and mentioned that he has contacted Sachin to gather all necessary documents.

Questionable Financial Transactions Involving Sheela Curpen

Audio recordings also brought into question a meeting involving Sheela Curpen (VOICE 3), an individual previously associated with Sun Trust.

In this segment, Curpen discussed receiving an envelope containing Rs 200,000.

VOICE 1 instructed her, “You need to handle this discreetly; I won’t be going to Port-Louis.”

Curpen responded that she will pass the envelope through her bodyguards. As the conversation concluded, she inquired whether promotions within the police force have been finalized, to which VOICE 1 replied, “We are working on it.”

Land Conversion Requests Favoring Political Allies

Another leaked audio highlighted a conversation regarding a land conversion request for a cousin of Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

This cousin, residing in Palma, Quatre-Bornes, had his request denied by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, where the Attorney General Maneesh Gobin (VOICE 4) was responsible.

In this conversation, VOICE 1 pressed Gobin, asking, “Can’t this be approved?”

He explained that two bodies objected to the request, with the Ministry of Housing asserting that it did not comply with planning guidelines.

Nonetheless, Gobin implied willingness to reconsider, stating, “I will look into it,” despite previous objections.

Plans to Pressure Former DPP

Moreover, Kobita Jugnauth is recorded instructing VOICE 2 on how to facilitate the departure of the former DPP, Satyajit Boolell.

She stated, “We need to execute something small every week with Ajit Boolell,” implying a strategy to pressure him to resign from his position.

“He will need to ‘step down’ as DPP,” she insisted.

Raid Readiness and Operations

Another portion of the audio features conversations between Kobita Jugnauth and Showkutally Soodhun (VOICE 5) regarding the organization and payment for a team of bouncers.

VOICE 1 inquired if he has communicated with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), to which VOICE 5 responded he has not.

VOICE 1 explained the necessity of DCP’s presence in initiating procedures, and Soodhun stated his plans to deploy bouncers to protect certain personnel and enforce order.

Interference in Constituency Clerk Appointments

The audio also consisted on the appointment procedures for Constituency Clerks, where VOICE 1 questioned whether necessary documents have been submitted to the National Assembly.

In response, VOICE 2 stated that ongoing issues surrounding the case of Simla Kistnen have raised concerns about the necessary protocols.

Arrest of Former Mauritius Telecom CEO

Finally, another conversation suggested that Kobita Jugnauth and Avinash Gopee are discussing an unspecified incident where instructions were issued regarding a crackdown on operations and potential arrests involving notable figures such as former Mauritius Telecom CEO Sherry Singh.

Ineffective Attempts to Contact Soodhun

Defi Media’s efforts to reach Showkutally Soodhun for further clarification regarding these recordings were unsuccessful.

Source: Defi Media