On Tuesday 5 August 2025, a major operation led jointly by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) and the Mauritius Police Force resulted in the dismantling of a suspected criminal network involved in money laundering and drug trafficking.
The operation was the result of intensive planning and collaboration among key law enforcement and supervisory agencies. Teams were deployed simultaneously across several regions of the island, including Vacoas, Plaisance, Saint Pierre, Petit Verger, Beau Bassin, Saint Julien Village and Le Morne. Searches were conducted discreetly and efficiently in several targeted residences and properties suspected of housing assets acquired through criminal activity.
The outcome was significant. Authorities seized 22 luxury vehicles with an estimated value of MUR 20.7 million, two pleasure boats valued at MUR 9 million, and MUR 2.25 million in cash. Among the vehicles seized were a Porsche, several BMWs, high-powered cars, and three valuable vintage models. Investigators also seized high-end motorcycles, including a Harley Davidson, as well as sophisticated household appliances. A certain quantity of cannabis was also discovered during a search in Trèfles.
In addition to these items, investigators found a bullet and a pair of handcuffs, raising further concerns about the potentially violent nature of the criminal network under investigation. These discoveries are now subject to further forensic analysis as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Six individuals were apprehended in the course of the operation. Four of them were placed under arrest on provisional charges of money laundering. They are Messrs Steven Moothoocurpen, Kovilen Sangaren Pillay Murday, Jean Dominique Jason Palmer and Kaviraj Luximon. Mr S. Moothoocurpen, considered the alleged mastermind, had previously come to the attention of authorities during an earlier anti-drug operation.
The success of this operation stems directly from close collaboration between institutions. Since its establishment, the NCC has played a central role in strengthening collaboration between investigative and supervisory authorities. Its mandate includes ensuring the effective coordination of criminal investigations and overcoming obstacles that may hinder progress in the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes.
Since its inaugural meeting in June 2025, the NCC has been convened regularly and has prioritised two key objectives. The first is the seizure and confiscation of assets linked to criminal activities. The second is the fight against illicit enrichment, particularly through drug trafficking. These priorities reflect a national commitment to dismantling and disruption of the financial foundations of organised crime.
In a recent meeting with the Chief Executive and Chairperson of the newly created National Agency for Drug Control (NADC), the FCC reiterated its firm commitment to attacking drug networks by targeting their financial gains. The operation of 5 August reflects this approach and marks a critical step forward in the national fight against drug trafficking and financial crimes.