Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dhunraz Gangadin was denied bail on Friday, July 25, following his arrest by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) in connection with the high-profile Reward Money case. The Mauritius senior police officer will remain in custody until his next scheduled court appearance on August 1.
The FCC objected strongly to the bail application, citing serious concerns over the potential for witness interference and tampering with crucial evidence. Prosecutors argued that releasing ACP Gangadin at this stage could compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Two provisional charges are expected to be formally laid against him under the Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act as well as the Financial Crimes Commission Act.
Alleged Financial Misconduct: According to preliminary findings by the FCC, approximately Rs 160 million was allegedly transferred into a personal bank account belonging to ACP Gangadin over a 22-month period, spanning from January 2023 to November 2024. Investigators believe the funds originated exclusively from cheques drawn on an account in the name of former Commissioner of Police Anil Kumar Dip.
Forensic analysis of the banking transactions indicates that once these large sums were deposited into ACP Gangadin’s account, significant portions were subsequently transferred to Sergeant Yeshdeo Seeboruth, who is also a target in the ongoing probe. Authorities suspect that the two officers may have colluded in diverting public funds under the guise of reward allocations meant for operational purposes or other undisclosed schemes.
Broader Implications: The arrest of such a high-ranking police officer has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and raised serious questions about systemic corruption within the police force. The case is being closely monitored by both national oversight bodies and anti-corruption watchdogs.
Legal experts suggest that if the charges are substantiated, ACP Gangadin and any co-conspirators could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, asset forfeiture, and permanent removal from public service.
The FCC has pledged to leave no stone unturned in its investigation and has called on anyone with relevant information to come forward. As the case unfolds, public interest remains high, with many awaiting further disclosures that may implicate additional figures within the police hierarchy or beyond.
With the next court date set for August 1, prosecutors are expected to formally present their case and possibly introduce additional evidence. Meanwhile, the FCC is continuing its financial audits and interviews with key witnesses, aiming to uncover the full extent of the suspected fraud.
The Reward Money investigation is shaping up to be one of the most significant corruption cases in recent years, with far-reaching implications for transparency and accountability within Mauritius’ law enforcement institutions.
