Mauritius Cyber Unit Overwhelmed as Only 6 Arrests Made from 116 Cases

Cyber Crime Unit in Mauritius is struggling to keep pace with a surge in digital offending, with only six arrests recorded from 116 cybercrime cases reported over the last six months.

Figures presented to Parliament reveal a significant backlog in investigations conducted between 1 November 2025 and 23 April 2026.

Of the 116 cases handled by the Cyber Crime Unit, only one has successfully been brought before the Court.

While six individuals were arrested and subsequently released on bail, the vast majority of files remain under active investigation.

Authorities have attributed the low prosecution rate to the “increased complexity” and rising volume of digital crimes.

The unit currently operates with a modest force of just 17 officers—including two Assistant Superintendents (ASP), one Inspector, eight Sergeants, and six Constables—reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime).

In an effort to bolster the response, the government has announced a series of technical upgrades and international partnerships.

A new digital forensics laboratory was launched following a memorandum of understanding signed on 28 January 2026 between the Computer Emergency Response Team, the police, and the Data Protection Office.

This facility forms part of a new “integrated operational framework” supported by the Police IT Unit.

On the international stage, Mauritius has turned to India for strategic assistance.

Following high-level discussions with “Maharashtra Cyber” and delegation visits in late 2025, officials have opted for a direct collaboration with Delhi.

These talks focus on establishing a dedicated command centre and enhancing the national cyber-response framework.

The crackdown is expected to be reinforced by legislative changes, with amendments to the Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Act currently in preparation.

The proposed legal reforms aim to strengthen online child protection and impose stricter obligations on service providers.

In the interim, officers are undergoing specialised training in digital forensics to improve their investigative capabilities.

Source: Le Mauricien