Aditi Boolell Claims Ken Arian Fed Information to Tevin Sithanen Before Elections

Political commentator and activist Aditi Boolell made explosive allegations on Wednesday, 16 July, during ION News's current affairs programme *L'heure du débat*, which focused on good governance and the institutional crisis that has gripped Mauritius for over a year. Boolell claimed that Ken Arian — formerly a senior advisor to ex-Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and ex-Chief Executive Officer of Airports Holding Ltd (AHL), the state-owned company that manages Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport — allegedly shared sensitive information with Tevin Sithanen shortly before the November 2024 general elections. According to Boolell, this alleged transfer of information is at the root of all current investigations being conducted by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), Mauritius's anti-corruption and financial crimes body. "Many things that are happening are slowly being proven true," she stated on air. **A document, a suspect, and a shelved report** When pressed for evidence, Boolell pointed to a document she says originates from Stéphane Adam, a figure already embroiled in controversy. Adam was questioned in connection with the so-called Menlo Park affair and has previously been linked to a series of audio recordings that sent shockwaves through Mauritius's political establishment — recordings that led to the resignation of economist and former Central Bank Governor Rama Sithanen and resulted in a provisional charge against his son, Tevin Sithanen. Boolell also alleged that the Kroll Report — a forensic audit commissioned from the international investigations firm Kroll and delivered in June 2026 — is currently "sitting in a drawer," implying it has not been acted upon or made public. **The alleged quid pro quo** In her most striking allegation, Boolell described what she characterised as a transactional dynamic: a person in a position of public trust allegedly said, in substance — "I'm not sure what investigation I'll open on you, but let me open one anyway" — before then offering information as a form of self-protection. In Boolell's words: "Since you might investigate me, let me give you something to protect myself." **What this means** These allegations, if substantiated, would suggest that sensitive intelligence was weaponised for political leverage in the lead-up to Mauritius's last general election — a serious claim touching on the integrity of state institutions, the independence of regulatory bodies, and the conduct of senior officials. It is important to note that these are allegations made by a commentator in a television debate. Neither Ken Arian nor any other party named has yet publicly responded to these specific claims. No formal charges related to these particular allegations have been reported. The broader context is significant: Mauritius has been navigating an extended institutional crisis, with multiple audio leak scandals, FCC probes, and high-profile arrests dominating the political landscape since late 2024. Source: ION News