VIPSU Inspector Accused of Taking Rs 33,000 to Drop Traffic Cases
A police inspector assigned to protect a VVIP in Mauritius is under investigation after a complaint alleged he demanded Rs 33,000 to shelve six traffic files.
The headquarters of the VIPSU, the Very Important Persons Security Unit of the Mauritius Police Force, has received a formal complaint letter naming one of its own inspectors in a corruption case involving Rs 33,000.
The VIPSU is a specialised police unit responsible for providing close protection to senior government officials, diplomats and other designated very important persons, known as VIPs or VVIPs, in Mauritius.
According to the complaint, the officer, who held the rank of sergeant in 2024, allegedly demanded the money in exchange for arranging the classification, or shelving, of six traffic contravention files. The offences involved are reported to include driving-related violations. By having those files set aside, the individuals concerned would avoid prosecution or penalty.
The total amount allegedly solicited across the six cases amounts to Rs 33,000. The complaint was addressed directly to the VIPSU's general headquarters, suggesting the complainant was aware of the officer's assignment and chain of command.
The officer has since been promoted to the rank of inspector. It is not yet clear whether the promotion occurred before or after the complaint was filed, or whether the complaint will affect his current status within the unit.
No official statement has been issued by the Mauritius Police Force at the time of publication, and it has not been confirmed whether the matter has been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, known as ICAC, which is the body typically tasked with investigating corruption allegations involving public servants in Mauritius.
What this means: Corruption within protective and elite police units carries particular weight because these officers operate in close proximity to senior public figures and are trusted with sensitive responsibilities. If the allegations are substantiated, the case could raise questions about vetting and oversight procedures inside the VIPSU. For ordinary motorists, the alleged scheme also highlights a persistent vulnerability in traffic enforcement, where the discretion to classify or pursue a case can, in some instances, be abused for personal gain. Members of the public who believe they have been approached for similar payments are encouraged to report incidents to ICAC or the Police Complaints Division.
Source: Le Defi Media
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VIPSU in Mauritius?β
The VIPSU, or Very Important Persons Security Unit, is a specialised division of the Mauritius Police Force responsible for providing close protection to senior government officials, diplomats and other designated VIPs and VVIPs in the country.
What body investigates corruption by police officers in Mauritius?β
The Independent Commission Against Corruption, known as ICAC, is the primary authority in Mauritius responsible for investigating corruption allegations involving public servants, including police officers. The Police Complaints Division also handles misconduct complaints against officers.
What does it mean for a traffic file to be 'classified' in Mauritius?β
In the Mauritian police and legal system, classifying a file means setting it aside without pursuing prosecution. If a contravention file is classified, the person named in it avoids a court appearance or penalty. Allegations of payment to have files classified constitute bribery and corruption under Mauritian law.
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