24-Year-Old Arrested: Millions in Maritime Thefts Uncovered

In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement, a vast network of maritime thefts has been partially dismantled in the North, culminating in the arrest of a 24-year-old man identified as Ricky Emillyo Marie, who is believed to be the mastermind behind a series of targeted thefts of engines and nautical equipment. The estimated losses from these criminal activities amount to several million rupees.

On Monday, 15 April, authorities apprehended Marie, a young man suspected of orchestrating thefts in Grand-Baie, Cap Malheureux, and Pereybère.

The operation, meticulously planned, was executed by the Northern Criminal Investigation Division (DCIU), the Port DCIU, and the Maritime Intelligence Cell (MIC) of the National Coast Guard, taking place on the Royal Road in Goodlands.

Marie was intercepted while driving a black Mitsubishi, accompanied by a 26-year-old mechanic from Roche-Bois, who was subsequently questioned and released.

Marie, however, was taken into custody by detectives from the Grand-Baie CID.

Confessions Unravel a Web of Deceit

Upon interrogation, Ricky Emillyo Marie swiftly confessed to his involvement in a series of meticulously planned maritime thefts, primarily targeting engines, propellers, and gearboxes from boats moored in the northern lagoons. Among the confirmed cases he disclosed are:

• Pereybère: Theft of the propeller and shaft from a 150 HP Suzuki engine belonging to the vessel PPC OL 10, valued at Rs 400,000.
• Bain-Bœuf: Theft of the gearbox and propeller from a 140 HP Suzuki engine, valued at Rs 70,000.
• Pointe d’Azur: Theft of components from two 150 HP Suzuki engines from a Cobra 27 boat, valued at Rs 450,000.
• Bain-Bœuf (again): Theft of the gearbox, shaft, and propeller from a 150 HP Suzuki engine, valued at Rs 750,000.
• Bain-Bœuf (yet again): Theft of a 15 HP Yamaha engine belonging to the Coin de Mire Attitude hotel, valued at Rs 120,000.

A Familiar Face to Law Enforcement

This is not the first time Emillyo’s name has surfaced in police records. He has previously been linked to five other maritime theft cases in Grand-Gaube, amounting to losses exceeding one million rupees.

While some stolen items have been recovered thanks to the suspect’s disclosures, investigators believe that other accomplices may still be at large.

The inquiry continues, aiming to fully dismantle this well-structured and active criminal network that has been operating for several months.

Ricky Emillyo Marie has been remanded in custody at the Piton Detention Centre, awaiting his court appearance scheduled for Wednesday, 16 April 2025.

The saga of this maritime thief serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against organised crime in our coastal regions.

Source: Defi Media