The former Minister of Energy was arrested on Thursday morning by the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC). His arrest followed his interrogation under warning. Professor Swaley Kasenally is being accused of having received a bribe from the Scandinavian firm, BWSC. ICAC discovered that he has received at least 6 plane tickets and Rs 500 000 from BWSC to help the Scandinavian society to obtain the renovation contract of St Louis Central. Pr. Swaley Kasenally was, at the time, the local consultant of BWSC.
Kasenally was brought before the District Court of Curepipe this morning after his arrest. He was granted bail after posting Rs 75,000 and signing a debt recognizance of Rs 150,000. It should be noted that during a search at his house, the officers of ICAC discovered copies of Cabinet papers, which are classified as confidential.
After his release, Pr Swaley Kasenally made a short statement to the press. He said that he can “say loud and clear” that he is “innocent”. He also added that he is a “collateral damage in a situation where the Financial Action Task Force and the European Union are putting a lot of pressure” on Mauritius. He also stated that truth and justice will prevail.
It should be noted that on Wednesday, two former PAD Co executives were arrested, namely former manager, Patrice Leung Ham Hing and former accountant, Khemraj Mojee. Both have been summoned to ICAC’s headquarters and interrogated for a few hours.
Their interrogation is linked to several cheques worth Rs 38 million issued in the names of several persons, including public officers, in connection with contracts won by the Danish firm, BWSC and PAD Co.
We heard that the name of a third person was called for interrogation. This person has been heard before being allowed to go home.
This matter is being brought back under the limelight. It is said that the reason why ICAC has not been making any movements was due to a money trail was being caried on and this has taken more time than expected. The burning question remain on who might be called next by ICAC, given that the names of prominent politician’s names have been mentioned. We will have to wait and see!
