Yet another massive corruption case involving Mauritian police officers is under scrutiny.

Four officers linked to the Special Support Unit’s Special Intelligence Cell have now been arrested, while investigators have indicated that further arrests may follow.

The investigation by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) centres on the handling of a substantial amount of cash discovered during the search and on whether police officers may have abused their official positions for personal benefit.

Sergeant Ramkrishsingh Nandrame and Police Constable Rishi Gounowry, both aged 47, appeared before the Port-Louis District Court on Wednesday, 12 August. Magistrate Ameerah Dhunnoo ordered that both men remain in police custody after the FCC, represented by Inspector Sivanenden Thandrayen, objected to their release at this stage of the investigation.

Nandrame is expected to return to court on Friday, while Gounowry is due to appear again on 19 August.

Both officers face provisional allegations under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, relating to the alleged use of public office for gratification. They were arrested by the FCC following questioning under warning.

At the centre of the investigation is the seizure of a large sum of money from the residence searched in Vallée-des-Prêtres. FCC investigators are reportedly examining every stage of the chain of custody: how the money was discovered, counted, seized, sealed, transported and subsequently stored at the Central Barracks.

The central question is whether irregularities occurred during that process and whether any officers involved may have unlawfully benefited from money placed under police control.

The investigation had already resulted in the arrests of former Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajcoomar Seewoo, 54, and Inspector Ranjeet Deoojee, 46, on 4 August. Both officers were also attached to the SSU’s Special Intelligence Cell and face similar provisional allegations. More Suspects Could Follow

During proceedings concerning the release applications of Seewoo and Deoojee, Senior Investigator Chen Tse King reportedly informed the court that the FCC had identified at least six additional potential suspects. Nandrame and Gounowry were subsequently arrested, suggesting that investigators are continuing to work their way through the officers and procedures connected to the original search.

Seewoo, who signed the warrant authorising the operation, maintains that he was not physically present during the search. He was granted bail after the FCC indicated that it no longer opposed his release. Deoojee remains in custody while investigators continue their inquiries. A Wider Question of Police Integrity

For Seewoo, the investigation comes on top of a separate and highly controversial case concerning police reward money. He was arrested in August 2025 and provisionally charged with money laundering after investigators reportedly traced more than Rs 34 million to his bank account. The money was allegedly linked to funds intended for police informants.

The latest investigation therefore raises questions extending beyond the conduct of individual officers. It once again places the spotlight on the systems governing the seizure of evidence, the handling of public funds, internal police controls and accountability within law-enforcement agencies in Mauritius.

No finding of guilt has been made against any of the officers involved, and the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination. Nevertheless, when several officers from the same specialised police structure become subjects of corruption investigations, the issue can no longer be dismissed as merely an isolated disciplinary matter.

Public confidence in law enforcement depends not only on arresting suspected criminals, but also on ensuring that those entrusted with police powers are themselves subject to effective oversight, transparency and the rule of law.