Politics
FCC Probes Rs1.5 Billion MPCB Loans to Gooljaury & his Luxury Brands
Mauritian authorities are investigating Rakesh Gooljaury’s business activities amid concerns over Rs 1.5 billion (about USD 45 million) in risky loans. The Financial Crime Commission (FCC) is examining the origins of funds used to establish and run luxury stores like Pandora, Swarovski, and Paul.
The inquiry focuses on whether these funds came from dubious loans granted by the former Mauritius Productivity and Business Council (MPCB) to Gooljaury, a well-known and controversial businessman.
It is suspected that Gooljaury used the money to buy shares and set up local companies to manage these international franchises in Mauritius.
On May 19, the investigation took a new step. The FCC targeted two of Gooljaury’s close associates: his ex-wife, Anishtabye Natacha Ruggoo, and Neetesha Teelwah.
The Supreme Court issued a Criminal Attachment Order, stopping any transfer, sale, or disposal of assets related to the brands during the ongoing investigation.
The companies involved—Diamoda Foods Co Ltd, Goldmond Ltd, Wool Mill Co Ltd, and Mafis Trading Ltd—hold or operate franchises for Paul, Swarovski, Pandora, and Universal Fusion Foods Restaurants.
Investigators have linked these companies to Gooljaury and his close associates.
FCC Investigates Swarovski Stores and Rakesh Gooljaury’s Business Empire
The Financial Crime Commission (FCC) is now closely examining financial transactions at Swarovski stores in Grand Bay, Bagatelle, and Plaisance Airport.
The court has ordered a bailiff to conduct a full inventory of stock at these locations.
Additionally, Goldmond Ltd and Wool Mill Co Ltd, companies represented by Rakesh Gooljaury’s ex-wife, must submit semi-annual reports detailing their revenue and sales.
This court order marks a significant breakthrough in the FCC’s money laundering investigation.
Rakesh Gooljaury, who was arrested on February 6 at Plaisance Airport upon arrival, is currently out on bail.
Gooljaury, who was once close to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam before 2014, shifted alliances to align himself with ex-Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth; a move that drew public attention.
Gooljaury is also a key figure in the Roches-Noires burglary case from July 2011.
He was present during the break-in, initially claiming he acted alone, but later implicated Ramgoolam.
In 2016, Gooljaury pleaded guilty to “public mischief” under Article 298 of the Penal Code. He received a three-month prison sentence, which was converted to community service.
His shifting political alliances have kept him in the spotlight. In 2019, Ramgoolam publicly called him a “Judas,” criticizing his betrayal and warning of consequences.
Today, this “Judas” figure is once again at the center of legal proceedings.
This time, Gooljaury’s business empire, including luxury brands he helped establish, may be at risk.
Authorities are investigating whether illicit funds financed his expansion into the luxury retail sector, potentially threatening his financial and reputational standing.
Source: Defi Media
