Minister Boolell Blames 23-Year MSM Cartel for Horse Racing Corruption

In response to opposition leader’s criticism, Agriculture Minister Arvin Boolell accused the previous government of the socialist movement (MSM) of allowing organized crime to take over Mauritius’s horse racing industry. He described a corrupt system where close associates of those in power benefited from monopolies, secret funding, and protection for illegal activities such as underground betting and race fixing.

Boolell blamed the old administration for weakening the Mauritius Turf Club (MTC) to favor private, shady interests.

He stated that the MSM government ignored a 2014 commission report, which made 23 recommendations to improve transparency.

Despite receiving the report multiple times, the MSM government allegedly did nothing, instead intentionally undermining the industry.

He pointed out that the General Racing Authority (GRA), which lacked investigative powers at the time, was a victim of this corruption.

Now, new proposed laws aim to restore transparency and integrity. Boolell praised the reforms drafted by the Attorney General’s office, which will give the GRA stronger powers to investigate illegal betting and other illicit activities.

The minister also highlighted issues like animal cruelty, irregular licensing of betting platforms, and money laundering through unregulated gaming sites outside the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s oversight.

He accused a “blue-eyed boy” of the MSM, identified as the main beneficiary of this opaque system, of being involved in these illicit activities.

Finally, Boolell called for greater cooperation between public and private sectors to improve veterinary care, build an incinerator in La Vigie, and expand the Veterinary Council.

He vowed to restore public trust in Mauritius’s historic horse racing industry, which has been part of the island’s culture for over 200 years.

Source: l’Express