Transport Minister Slams Massive Corruption Scandal over 60 Times Market Price Hikes

The Minister of Land Transport has decried a “true case of daylight robbery” following revelations that the National Transport Corporation (CNT) purchased spare parts at up to 60 times their market value.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, 21 April, Minister Osman Mahomed expressed shock at the scale of suspected irregularities and systemic “bad management and corruption.”

The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) has now launched a formal investigation into the procurement of counterfeit and grossly overpriced bus parts between 2020 and 2024.

Extreme Price Inflations

The scandal came to light following a parliamentary question from MP Stéphanie Anquetil.

Evidence tabled in the National Assembly reveals that the CNT routinely acquired spare parts at prices ranging from three to 25 times their actual worth, with some instances reaching 60 times the market rate.

In one specific case cited by the Minister, crankshafts were purchased for MUR 365,000 each, despite an estimated market price of just MUR 89,600.

Furthermore, investigations confirmed that counterfeit parts were frequently bought at the price of—or even higher than—authentic components.

Impact on Public Services

The financial drain has had a direct impact on commuters. According to CNT management, approximately 20% of the bus fleet is currently grounded due to mechanical failures and spare part issues, despite the vehicles being within their operational age limits.

“The CNT has spent hundreds of millions of extra rupees based on these abusive prices,” Minister Mahomed stated.

“This money could have been used more wisely, notably for the acquisition of new buses for the benefit of the public.”

Supplier and Legal Oversight

A single supplier, AV World Spare Parts Ltd, reportedly secured contracts totalling over MUR 380 million between 2020 and 2024, raising further questions regarding procurement procedures.

The FCC has already taken action in related matters:

• Former GM Charged: Former General Manager Rao Rama was formally charged in December 2025 with “Public Official Using Office for Gratification” regarding a bus tyre contract.
• Lack of Transparency: The Minister revealed that the CNT failed to file financial accounts for nearly a decade prior to 2025.
• Ongoing Inquiry: The FCC is currently reviewing a second list of 29 items as part of its wider probe into counterfeit acquisitions.

Minister Mahomed, who claims to have raised alarms about these practices while in the opposition, credited MP Anquetil’s inquiry for finally allowing the full scale of the mismanagement to be documented and referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Source: Defi Media