Each week brings its share of new developments in the investigation conducted by the Independent Commission against Corruption, concerning the alleged money laundering network of Jean Hubert Celerine, alias Franklin.
After the part about the luxury house, high-end vehicles, bank account and fictitious company, this week the attention has been focused on the leased land that would be controlled by Franklin through nominees, more precisely the ranch located a few steps from Grand-Bassin. While theories have emerged about the 79-acre land grant, ICAC’s investigations have identified potential suspects who are also in league with Franklin.
Yesterday, three Ford Raptors were seized by the Anti-Corruption Commission. This was in connection with the investigation into the Franklin case. The three vehicles were taken to the yard of the Anti-Corruption Commission. A fourth Ford Raptor was also seized. The vehicles were located at a car dealership in Wilhems Plains. The dealer is being questioned by the Icac.
These vehicles are suspected of being related to the Franklin case. As a reminder, on March 9, boat engines, each worth more than Rs 300,000, were seized at the home of Ashley Rose. His house, located in Batterie-Cassee, had been searched by ICAC investigators.
Last Wednesday, the bank accounts of twelve individuals and twelve companies under investigation for money laundering related to the Franklin case were frozen. Among the frozen bank accounts is that of Jean Rudolph Laboudeuse, the half-brother of Jean Hubert Celerine, known as Franklin. The same day, ICAC officers also called on the head of the Department of Forest Conservation to understand how the 350-acre leasehold land not far from Grand-Bassin was leased and whether the paperwork is in order.
