FCC ‘SHAME’: Row Erupts Over Failure to Appoint Permanent Director General

The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) is once again under intense scrutiny following the prolonged absence of a full-time Director-General (DG), a year after the current government took power.

Political Criticism Mounts

Former Attorney General Yatin Varma slammed the situation as “shameful” during a fiery debate on the “Au cœur de l’Info” radio show hosted by Mervyn Beetun on Radio Plus on Tuesday, November 4.

“It is shameful that the FCC does not have a full-time DG, a year after the arrival of this government in power,” he stated.

Legitimacy Challenged in High-Profile Case

The controversy centres on the interim DG, Sanjay Dawoodarry, whose legitimacy has been challenged by the lawyers of Malagasy national Mamy Ravatomanga.

The debate, which also featured former judge Vinod Boolell, Attorney General Gavin Glover, barrister Khushal Lobine, and Zia Nujurally (PMSD), focused on the high-profile Ravatomanga case.

Ravatomanga’s defence team is contesting the validity of the investigations conducted, arguing that Mr. Dawoodarry’s initial nine-month contract had expired at the end of September, before their client’s arrest. The matter is currently under review by the Supreme Court.

Government Defends Interim Appointment

Attorney General Gavin Glover defended the interim DG, confirming the expiry but stating, “His contract certainly ended in September, but it was renewed two days later.”

Mr. Glover argued that a permanent DG would not have been necessary to avoid the controversy, as the renewal was legal under the Interpretation and General Clauses Act.

Mr. Glover also confirmed the imminent arrival of British experts to support the establishment of the future National Crimes Agency, which is intended to replace the FCC.

Call for Immediate Action

Despite the defence of the renewal’s legality, Mr. Varma maintained that a permanent DG would have pre-empted the entire controversy, adding that “The FCC transcends the individuals who run it.”

Former judge Vinod Boolell echoed this sentiment, urging the government to act swiftly:

“The government must finally appoint a full-time DG at the FCC! Are we going to wait for the creation of the National Crimes Agency, and for how long?”

Zia Nujurally, meanwhile, stressed the need for transparency and the urgent correction of loopholes in the financial system. “Are there other Mamy Ravatomangas among us?

Fortunately he was arrested, this shows the ‘loop holes’ that must be corrected urgently,” he insisted.

Conflict of Interest Concerns Dismissed

Barrister Khushal Lobine’s participation in the debate, as the defending lawyer for Mamy Ravatomanga, sparked concerns about a possible conflict of interest.

However, all participants invoked the Cab Rank Principle, which guarantees every barrister the right to defend a client without discrimination. Mr. Glover dismissed the conflict concern as “a storm in a teacup.”

Source: Defi Media