Rs 21 Million Assets Seized; 4 Identified Suspects Arrested in Money Laundering

Four suspects remain in custody following a major operation targeting money laundering, which resulted in the seizure of 19 cars, 8 motorcycles, and a speedboat valued at approximately Rs 21 million. Authorities also found Rs 717,500 in cash at one suspect’s residence.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), supported by multiple agencies, carried out a coordinated raid starting at 4 a.m. The operation targeted individuals believed to be involved in illicit enrichment linked to criminal activities, including drug trafficking.

The raid led to four arrests, the confiscation of vehicles and boats, and the recovery of cash. The seized assets include 19 cars, 8 motorcycles, a speedboat, and over Rs 700,000 in cash, with vehicle values estimated at Rs 21 million.

Authorities identified four individuals as key players in the network:

• Steven Moothoocurpen, 34, a well-known bouncer
• Kovilen Sangaren Pillay Murday, 35, a former police officer
• Jean Dominique Jason Palmer, 36, resident of Beau-Bassin
• Kaviraj Luximon, 34, a business director from Morne Village

They were temporarily charged with money laundering under the Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act (FIAMLA) and detained after appearing before Moka court.

Details on the Suspects and Seized Assets

Steven Moothoocurpen:
Already known to authorities, Moothoocurpen was involved in a 2014 murder case. His friend, Yoven Velangany, was shot dead in Petit-Verger during a robbery.

Moothoocurpen was later cleared of charges. During a search of his Saint-Pierre home, police found Rs 717,500 in cash.

They also seized 11 cars—including a Harley Davidson—and three motorcycles, estimated to be worth Rs 12.4 million. Authorities suspect the funds used to purchase these vehicles are illicit.

Kovilen Sangaren Pillay Murday:
Residing in Saint-Julien d’Hotman, Murday is suspected of possessing Rs 1.4 million in cash and a Ford Raptor valued at Rs 2.7 million. The source of funding for the vehicle is under investigation.

Jean Dominique Jason Palmer:
A resident of Beau-Bassin, Palmer, 36, is suspected of acquiring seven vehicles—such as a Porsche, a Ford Raptor, two BMWs, and several Suzukis—with funds believed to be laundered. The total value of these vehicles is estimated at Rs 5.4 million, which is significantly below their actual market worth.

Kaviraj Luximon:
A business director, Luximon is suspected of purchasing a speedboat worth Rs 600,000 in March 2024 using questionable funds. The boat was seized at Le Morne and transferred to Réduit Triangle.

Vintage Vehicles Among the Seized Cars

At Moothoocurpen’s home, authorities found three vintage cars: a 1967 Volkswagen, a black convertible Austin, and a red Vauxhall.

These classic, operational vehicles are still being evaluated for their market value.

The FCC intends to question Moothoocurpen about the origins and funding of these collectibles, which are central to the ongoing investigation.

Cannabis Discovery at Camp-Levieux

During a raid at Camp-Levieux involving a suspect named Deonan, police found suspicious plant material. The suspect was detained for drug possession.

The case has been handed over to the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) for testing and weighing of the substance, suspected to be cannabis.

Institutional Cooperation Praised

The operation was coordinated by the National Coordination Committee (NCC), including the FCC’s Director-General, the Solicitor General, the Police Commissioner, and representatives from the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

This collaboration facilitated a successful raid, marked by extensive seizures and strong inter-agency cooperation.

Additional Interrogations

The operation also led to the questioning of two individuals close to the suspects. One woman claimed to have purchased a vehicle through a financing company.

Moothoocurpen’s brother was also questioned and released after investigation.

Widespread Raids Across Multiple Locations

The simultaneous raids targeted properties and vehicles across Moka, Plaisance, Saint-Pierre, Petit-Verger, Beau-Bassin, Saint-Julien Village, and Le Morne. Authorities focused on assets believed to be financed by criminal proceeds, aiming to dismantle the money laundering network comprehensively.

Source: Defi Media