Mauritius Arrests Former Finance Minister Padayachy

Mauritius has issued an arrest order for former finance minister Renganaden Padayachy amid an ongoing embezzlement investigation, following the recent arrest of former central bank governor Harvesh Seegolam, who was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud. The investigation focuses on the alleged misappropriation of 45 million rupees linked to the Mauritius Investment Corporation and Menlo Park Ltd. These actions mark the first significant steps taken by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam's government, which has accused the previous administration of manipulating key economic data. Padayachy has not yet responded to the arrest order, and Seegolam's lawyer declined to comment after his release. The government's allegations highlight concerns over economic mismanagement in Mauritius, particularly regarding falsified GDP and public debt figures. This scandal has raised serious questions about the financial governance of the island nation.