Mauritius - MCB branch manager remanded in custody after FCC objects to bail over alleged Rs 800,000 transfer

The District Court of Port-Louis North has refused immediate release for Mohammad Shameem Jaunmahomed, 55, a Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) branch manager. On 16 September 2025, the magistrate endorsed the Financial Crimes Commission's (FCC) objection to bail. He remains in police custody until the next hearing, set for 23 September 2025.

Jaunmahomed faces a provisional charge of conspiracy under section 48 of the Financial Crimes Commission Act 2023. The indictment, read in court, alleges that he “wilfully, illegally and criminally” entered into an agreement with another person to commit money laundering. The alleged events are dated 5 September 2025 at the MCB premises in Port-Louis (reports specify the Rue Desforges branch).

The disputed transfer

FCC investigators say Jaunmahomed authorised a transfer of Rs 800,000 from the account of Allysaheb Jagai (also reported as Ameersaheb or Ashik Ameersaheb Allysaheb Jagai), son of Superintendent of Police Ashik Jagai. The funds were credited to an account linked to Fardeen Emrith (also listed as Mohamed Fardeen Emrith in some reports). Ashik Jagai was already in custody in related FCC investigations.

Investigators allege several irregularities: the absence of written authorisation from the account holder and a failure to follow Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. These lapses, they argue, run counter to the due diligence standards required of financial institutions and support suspicion that the funds may have originated from illicit activity.

The FCC arrested Jaunmahomed on the evening of Monday, 15 September 2025, after gathering evidence. A search of his home followed. He was questioned under warning and confronted with bank documents relating to the transaction. The Commission suspects an agreement with Ashik Jagai to move or conceal funds outside a lawful framework.

At Tuesday's hearing, the prosecutor, acting for the FCC, opposed bail, citing the risk of interference with the investigation and the seriousness of the alleged facts. The magistrate accepted that position and remanded the accused.

MCB statement

In a press release issued on 16 September 2025, the MCB said it had learned of the case through the press. It stated that it “has collaborated and will continue to collaborate fully with the competent authorities” and remains ready to provide any further assistance required. The bank said it was monitoring the matter but did not comment on the alleged role of its employee.

The FCC said it would continue inquiries to establish the scope of any conspiracy, identify possible further involvement and trace the origin of the funds. Investigators planned further cross-checks and examination of MCB internal procedures ahead of the 23 September appearance.

Later reporting (context)

Subsequent coverage indicated the inquiry widened. Other MCB staff at the same branch were questioned about the procedures to follow when an account holder is in custody. Fardeen Emrith was also interviewed. A 21 September 2025 Sunday Times article reported that Jaunmahomed was later granted bail subject to strict conditions after the initial remand period. That development post-dates the 16–17 September court reports on which the user’s briefing is based.

These are allegations at the provisional-charge stage. No findings of guilt have been made.

Primary sources (full URLs for verification):

• https://lexpress.mu/node/549459

• https://lexpress.mu/s/shameem-jaunmahomed-reste-en-detention-549445

• https://lexpress.mu/node/549420

• https://www.lemauricien.com/actualites/societe/arrestation-de-mohamed-shameem-jaunmahomed-la-mcb-affirme-cooperer-pleinement-avec-les-autorites/684553/

• https://www.lemauricien.com/le-mauricien/fcc-double-operation-deepcode-et-tir-laliann-kanbar-jagai-sr-recidive-avec-un-complot-pour-un-transfert-de-rs-800-000/684481/

• https://www.lemauricien.com/actualites/societe/transfert-frauduleux-presume-de-rs-800-000-la-fcc-interroge-des-employes-de-la-mcb/684670/

• https://www.maurice-info.mu/2025/09/16/la-mcb-collabore-avec-la-police.html

• https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/202509160473.html

• https://defimedia.info/arrestation-de-mohamed-shameem-jaunmahomed-la-mcb-affirme-collaborer-pleinement-avec-les-autorites

• https://newsmoris.com/2025/09/16/rs-800000-withdrawn-from-police-chiefs-sons-account-without-signature/

• https://sundaytimesmauritius.com/entre-blanchiment-presume-manoeuvres-bancaires-douteuses-et-caution-suspecte-la-fcc-deroule-un-money-trail-explosif/

Minor discrepancies appear across reports (exact section of the Act cited as 45 or 48; spelling of names; precise address of the accused). The core facts of the remand, the Rs 800,000 transfer, the KYC/authorisation allegations, the FCC objection and the MCB statement are consistent in the contemporaneous Mauritian press.