The Mauritian government has clarified its collaboration with Scotland Yard experts in solving cold cases. Initially, it was reported that officers from Scotland Yard were assisting the local police. However, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam revealed that the assistance comes from former Scotland Yard specialists, not directly from the institution. This clarification was made in response to a parliamentary question.
In March 2025, Ramgoolam announced an initiative to seek help from Scotland Yard in investigating several unsolved crimes, including the Kistnen murder case. The initiative was a response to a question from Deputy Franco Quirin. The goal was to bring justice to the families of victims who lost loved ones under suspicious circumstances. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of resolving these cases.
Two officers from Scotland Yard were sent to Mauritius in July 2025 to collaborate with the local police. They worked from the Central CID headquarters, focusing on several cold cases. The Kistnen case was one of the primary focuses of this collaboration. The officers worked closely with Mauritian investigators to gather new leads and re-examine evidence.
However, Ramgoolam later clarified that the assistance from Scotland Yard was not official. He stated that it was not possible to get direct help from Scotland Yard, and instead, they had to engage private detectives who were formerly part of Scotland Yard. This clarification was made to address concerns about the nature of the collaboration.
The government has spent Rs 4.9 million, equivalent to 78,000 pounds sterling, on these services so far. The Prime Minister's office confirmed that the funds were used to engage the services of these former Scotland Yard specialists. The collaboration aims to bring new insights and expertise to the investigations.
The use of former Scotland Yard experts is seen as a strategic move to boost the investigation. These experts bring valuable experience and knowledge to the table, which can help crack cold cases. The Mauritian police have been working closely with these experts to re-examine evidence and pursue new leads.
The collaboration has raised hopes that justice will be served for the families of victims. The Kistnen case, in particular, has garnered significant attention, and the involvement of former Scotland Yard experts is seen as a positive step towards resolving it. The government remains committed to solving these cold cases and bringing closure to the affected families.
Key points
- The Mauritian government is collaborating with former Scotland Yard specialists to solve cold cases, including the Kistnen murder.
- The collaboration involves private detectives who were formerly part of Scotland Yard, not direct assistance from the institution.
- The government has spent Rs 4.9 million on these services so far.
