The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) in Mauritius has initiated an investigation into allegations of corruption involving a substantial sum of Rs 350 million. At the center of the probe is an audio recording that purportedly reveals a conversation between David Thomas, a close associate of Malagasy businessman Mamy Ravatomanga, and Jean Karl Elysée, a high-ranking official in the Prime Minister's Office. The recording was submitted to the FCC by Nasser Beekhy, who claims to have made the recording and kept a copy in a secure location.
Nasser Beekhy, who has been identified as an individual close to former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, admitted to recording the conversation between Thomas and Elysée. He stated that he immediately sent the recording to a trusted individual abroad for safekeeping. The FCC is currently verifying the authenticity of the recording, which involves determining whether it has been tampered with. As part of the investigation, the Commission may dispatch investigators to Europe to confirm the recording's authenticity and contents.
The investigation centers on an alleged attempt to extort Rs 350 million from Mamy Ravatomanga, a wealthy Malagasy businessman. According to Nasser Beekhy, several influential individuals were involved in the subsequent events, attempting to solicit substantial sums of money from Ravatomanga. Beekhy claims he tried to report these activities to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam but was unsuccessful. He then turned to Junaid Haroon Fakim, a former FCC commissioner, to expose the alleged wrongdoing.
Nasser Beekhy, Junaid Haroon Fakim, and David Thomas were arrested in 2025 in connection with an FCC investigation into a meeting that allegedly involved Mamy Ravatomanga. The arrests were made as part of a broader probe into potential financial crimes. Jean Karl Elysée, who is also a close associate of Navin Ramgoolam and is facing a Notice Upon Departure, has submitted his phone and SIM card to the Information Technology Unit of the Central Criminal Investigation Department (CCID) for examination.
In a deposition, Jean Karl Elysée acknowledged knowing David Thomas but denied having a conversation about a supposed request for Rs 350 million from Mamy Ravatomanga. He also denied discussing any intervention with the Prime Minister on behalf of the Malagasy businessman. Elysée has filed a complaint with the CCID, stating that there was no such conversation with Thomas.
Mamy Ravatomanga, the Malagasy businessman at the center of the allegations, left Madagascar after the ousting of the Andry Rajoelina regime. The FCC's investigation aims to uncover the truth behind the alleged corruption and determine the roles of various individuals involved. The probe also seeks to identify the "safe keeper" of the recording, who is believed to be located abroad.
The FCC's examination of the audio recording is a crucial step in the investigation, as it will help determine the validity of the allegations and potentially uncover further evidence of financial crimes. The Commission's efforts to verify the recording and identify those involved demonstrate its commitment to tackling corruption and financial crimes in Mauritius.
Key points
- The Financial Crimes Commission is investigating an alleged corruption case involving Rs 350 million.
- The probe centers on an audio recording that purportedly reveals a conversation between David Thomas and Jean Karl Elysée.
- The FCC is verifying the authenticity of the recording and may dispatch investigators to Europe to confirm its contents.
