Erased Evidence in the Aftermath of Elections: CCID Pursues Destroyers

The Central Criminal Investigation Department (CCID) has ramped up its investigation into the disturbing destruction of evidence related to mass surveillance under the former regime. Meanwhile, serious questions are arising regarding the role of Indian company Pertsol, which financed the telephone tapping system.

“Allow me to issue a stern warning… We will identify those responsible for destroying evidence. This is a criminal offence, and I assure you they will face the full force of the law,” declared Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam during a dramatic session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, 4 February, referring to data tied to mass surveillance that was obliterated almost immediately after the results of the 2024 general elections were announced.

At the heart of the investigation is the CCID, particularly interested in individuals who had access to this illicit system.

The spotlight is now on former Chief Technical Officer Girish Guddoy.

Sherry Singh, the ex-CEO of Mauritius Telecom, had previously provided critical testimony to the CCID, uncovering the network of key players behind the implementation of this phone tapping system.

It wasn’t until after the elections of November 2024 that experts determined the full scale of data destruction.

The CCID, with support from the police’s IT Unit and international counterparts, has initiated efforts to recover deleted data.

Although some information has been lost for good, specialists are diligently working to restore it.

“Data reconstruction is underway, guided by IT experts assisting the investigators,” Defi Media sources have assured.

The data was ordinarily stored on a virtual online storage system, and efforts are also being made to gather information on activities conducted using devices employed as part of this mass surveillance mechanism.

With collaboration from foreign authorities, the CCID confirmed that a system for mass surveillance had indeed been operational for a defined period.

This sinister reality was underscored by the revelation of the “Moustass Leaks” late in 2024, which exposed intercepted phone calls involving public figures, including the former Prime Minister, the ex-Police Commissioner, and other VIPs.

The CCID is scrutinising the Indian firm Pertsol, which provided the logistic support for the tapping system.

Pertsol was paid a staggering Rs 355 million for its services.

Investigators have launched inquiries into the financial transactions and negotiations involving key players and this Dubai-based company.

Girish Guddoy, CTO at Baie-du-Jacotet Landing Station, is now a person of interest to the CCID.

Responsible for this high-security site, which only permitted access to authorized personnel, he accompanied a delegation of Indian technicians during visits to the essential telecommunications network.

Discrepancies between his various statements are under investigation.

While an initial report indicated a “Data Capture,” a subsequent report suggested otherwise.

Investigators determined if there were any deliberate alterations to his testimony.

His “further statements,” added to the case file after his initial deposition, will be closely examined for inconsistencies.

He may yet be summoned again for clarification by the police.

Prime Minister Ramgoolam casted light on the situation in Parliament:

Allegations of mass surveillance under the previous government have been unearthed. The Prime Minister’s revelations regarding the telephone listening devices during a session in the National Assembly caused a great stir.

In response to a parliamentary question from opposition deputy Adrien Duval of PMSD, Ramgoolam disclosed preliminary findings from an inquiry conducted by international experts and police officials.

The Prime Minister described a “highly sophisticated” mass surveillance apparatus established by the previous government led by the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM).

“The entire nation was reeling when, last October, the ‘Moustass Leaks’ disclosed that private conversations of individuals, senior government officials, political opponents, and even members of the judiciary were being monitored,” he stated emphatically in Parliament.

He underscored the extensive nature of this espionage operation:

“Every mobile call, every fixed-line communication, and every message on WhatsApp, Facebook, Signal, and TikTok, as well as every email sent by every citizen, was intercepted and stored,” he insisted, branding this mass surveillance a “flagrant violation” of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including freedom of expression and the right to privacy.

The Prime Minister also lamented the exorbitant financial cost of the programme, estimated at over $110 million, or Rs 5.13 billion, asserting that Pertsol, a Dubai-based enterprise, received $7.5 million annually for equipment maintenance.

“How can we justify such expenses while the public struggles with the cost of living?” he questioned.

The inquiry has revealed that surveillance infrastructures were “scrubbed” hastily following the announcement of the election results.

Nonetheless, Ramgoolam warned those attempting to obliterate evidence, stating:

“Experts can recover deleted data, and we will track down those who destroyed pivotal evidence. They will be brought to justice.”

He further affirmed, “This government will not waver in its pursuit of truth and accountability, ensuring that those responsible for such heinous acts are held to the fullest extent of the law. I will keep the Assembly informed as I receive new reports.

I am even prepared to lay the findings on the table for all to see what transpired in our nation.”

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister asserted:

“The system is now disabled. No one will eavesdrop on your conversations. I assure you, under this government, there will never be a return to mass interception or surveillance. Never!”

In light of these shocking revelations, the current administration is contemplating strengthening legislative frameworks to prevent any recurrence of such violations in the future.

Source: Defi Media