Alleged money laundering - Hans Ballah: "I can explain where the money comes from"

“Mo kapav explike kot sa ban kas-la exit. » This is the line of defense put forward by Hans Manthir Ballah against investigators from the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). The 46-year-old businessman was arrested on Friday June 5, 2026 as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering. During a search carried out at his home in Ébène with the support of police commandos, investigators seized Rs 1.9 million in cash, currencies, notably euros and dirhams, as well as a BMW and several computer equipment.

Hans Manthir Ballah appeared on Saturday before the Weekend Court, presided over by Magistrate Akshay Nundloll, where a provisional charge of money laundering was brought against him. As the FCC did not object to his release, the court imposed two bails of Rs 150,000 each on him as well as an acknowledgment of debt of Rs 1 million.

Among the conditions set by the court, Hans Manthir Ballah must report daily to the Sodnac police station between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., provide a telephone number where he can be reached by investigators, not interfere with witnesses and not leave Mauritian territory without authorization. As the Cash Office was closed on Saturday, he was released on parole and will have to complete the formalities relating to his bail before the Rose-Hill court on Monday morning.

During his interrogation at Réduit Triangle, Hans Manthir Ballah denied the accusations of money laundering. He claimed to be able to justify the origin of the funds found at home, claiming to derive several income from his online commercial activities abroad. He also assured that he was able to explain his lifestyle and his possessions.

According to the FCC, this arrest follows information cross-checking work carried out by its Intelligence Gathering unit on suspicious transactions in which the businessman may have been engaged for some time. Investigators say they have information about activities deemed questionable. During the raid on his home, investigators also discovered rolling papers as well as around five grams of cannabis.

Hans Manthir Ballah is not his first arrest. In April 2017, then aged 36, this company director was arrested at Plaisance airport upon his return from Dubai. Customs officers and sleuths from the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit then discovered 32 synthetic drug tablets, Valium and Rivotril, among other substances, in his luggage. Asked about the presence of these tablets, he declared that they were stimulating products.

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