Pravind Jugnauth Summoned Again by CCID Over Phone-Tapping Gear

Former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has been called to appear once again before the Central Criminal Investigation Department, known as the CCID, this Tuesday, in connection with an investigation into phone-tapping equipment.

This is not Jugnauth's first summons in relation to this case. The former leader of the Militant Socialist Movement, or MSM, who governed Mauritius from 2017 until his electoral defeat in November 2024, has already been questioned by investigators on the matter.

The CCID is the specialised serious-crime unit of the Mauritius Police Force, based in Line Barracks, Port Louis. It handles investigations into major offences including financial crime, corruption and abuse of power.

The phone-tapping affair centres on allegations that surveillance or interception equipment was acquired or used during the previous administration. Phone tapping, or the interception of private communications without legal authorisation, is a serious criminal offence in Mauritius under the Information and Communication Technologies Act and related legislation. Allegations of state-sponsored surveillance have caused significant political controversy in the country since the change of government last year.

Jugnauth led Mauritius for seven years before his MSM-led coalition was defeated at the general election of November 2024 by the Alliance du Changement, headed by Navin Ramgoolam of the Labour Party. Since then, several figures associated with the former government have faced police questioning or judicial proceedings across a range of investigations.

The fact that Jugnauth is being called back for a second round of questioning suggests investigators are seeking further clarification or additional information beyond what was provided during his initial appearance. Under Mauritian law, individuals questioned by the CCID may be summoned multiple times without necessarily being charged.

The case is being watched closely by political observers and the public, as it touches on fundamental questions about state surveillance, civil liberties and the conduct of the previous administration.

What this means: If the CCID investigation leads to charges, Jugnauth would become the first former Prime Minister of Mauritius to face criminal prosecution while still active in politics. Even at the questioning stage, the case signals that the new government is pursuing accountability for alleged abuses under its predecessor, a process that will shape Mauritian politics throughout 2025 and beyond.

Source: Le Defi Media