FCC | Operation punch: Hans Manthir Ballah targeted in a money laundering investigation

A sum of Rs 700,000 in cash seized at the residence of the nephew of the ex-Sec-to-Cab, Nayen Kumar Ballah

In February 2023, the Mahébourg Court struck out a charge of Unlawful possession of MDMA under the Dangerous Drugs Act brought against him following his arrest in April 2017 at the SSRIA

New major operation by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) as part of an investigation into suspicions of money laundering and financial offenses. Investigators carried out a targeted search at the home of Hans Manthir Ballah, 46, a businessman based in Ébène. The latter is the nephew of the former Secretary to Cabinet Nayen Kumar Ballah, and related to the Jugnauth family. During this raid, assisted by elements of the Mauritius Police Intervention Group (GIPM) and the Dog Unit, FCC officers discovered and seized a sum of Rs 700,000 in cash, now money considered potentially linked to suspicious transactions under investigation. A BMW belonging to the suspect was also seized in connection with this case. Rolling paper and approximately 5 g of cannabis were also found. Following the operation, Hans Manthir Ballah was taken to FCC headquarters, where he was interrogated Under Warning. Investigators suspect direct involvement in financial crimes, including the purchase of the vehicle with questionable funds. It is very likely that he will face a provisional charge in court soon. The FCC was expected to make a decision on this matter last night. According to initial indications, investigators are seeking to trace the origin of the seized funds, examine possible money laundering circuits and determine whether other questionable transactions may have been carried out. Moreover, the police arrested Hans Manthir Ballah in April 2017 at SSR international airport with a certain quantity of MDMA. This company director had been indicted for Unlawful possession of MDMA under the Dangerous Drugs Act. He pleaded not guilty in the Mahébourg Court at the appeal of his trial. The businessman declared that he had bought these pills during a trip to Dubai as a sexual stimulant, saying at the time that he was unaware that they were drugs. The Court struck out the charge against him in February 2023. For its part, the FCC is continuing its investigation into this alleged case of money laundering, while the aspect of the seizure of cannabis is being handled at the level of the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit.

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