Police in Mauritius have arrested former central bank governor Harvesh Seegolam on allegations of conspiracy to defraud the nation. Seegolam, who led the Bank of Mauritius from March 2020 until his departure in November 2024, is now facing legal action under an audit of public finances conducted by the newly elected government of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Seegolam was detained on Friday upon his return to Mauritius from Dubai. A spokesman for the Mauritius Police Force confirmed the arrest, stating that Seegolam is being questioned by the Central Criminal Investigation Department before being brought to court on provisional charges.
Seegolam was replaced by Rama Sithanen, following the victory of the Alliance du Changement in recent elections. Mid-December, the police issued a notice for Seegolam’s arrest, citing issues related to the establishment of the Mauritius Investment Corp. (MIC), which was criticized by Prime Minister Ramgoolam for exposing the bank to significant credit risks and financial losses.
The investigation focuses on the MIC’s disbursement of 45 million rupees (approximately $945,000) to a high-risk company, a transaction that is now under scrutiny. In his New Year’s address, Ramgoolam emphasized accountability for those who mismanaged the country’s finances, pledging that legal measures would be taken against individuals, regardless of their political position.
The ongoing probe continues to garner attention as it unfolds, with the government asserting its commitment to addressing financial mismanagement.
