Mr. V.C., former Chairperson of the Gambling Regulatory Authority, he will, for the benefit of the House, ob…
(No. B/875) Mr F. Quirin (Third Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to Mr. V.C., former Chairperson of the Gambling Regulatory Authority, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the reasons for his resignation, giving details of the – (a) severance package or otherwise paid or payable thereto, if any, and (b) outcome of the inquiry/disciplinary proceedings, if any, initiated against him.
Reply: Mr Veeshal Chumroo, the former Chairperson of the Gambling Regulatory Authority was appointed as part-time Chairperson for the Authority in accordance with section 5(2) of the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act on 09 January 2025. I am informed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that a series of serious allegations were published in the press regarding Mr Veeshal Chumroo, to the effect that he was seen driving a Porsche car. These allegations were published in Week-End newspapers dated 12 and 19 April 2026. The articles alleged that the Porsche car bearing registration number 227 JN 24, belongs to a poultry farming company owned by Mr D.S. and Mr I.J.S. These individuals are also Directors and Shareholders of a betting company namely Bookies Hub Ltd which holds a bookmaker licence issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority. According to the article, the matter was reported to the Financial Crimes Commission. I am further informed that the former Chairperson informed the Gambling Regulatory Authority Board at its meeting held on Wednesday 23 April 2026, that he was the one driving the black Porsche car bearing registration number 227 JN 24. The Board took the decision to refer the press article to the Financial Crimes Commission. I am informed that the former Chairperson then submitted his resignation on Friday 24 April 2026 without mentioning the reasons behind his decision. Regarding part (a) of the question, I am informed that since the part-time Chairperson resigned from his position, there was no payment made or due to him. Concerning part (b) of the question, I am apprised by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that the Financial Crimes Commission has informed the latter that a preliminary investigation has been initiated against the former Chairperson for using a company car belonging to a GRA’s licencee. DRUG TRAFFICKING OFFENCES – POLICE OFFICERS ARRESTED/SUSPENDED (2014-JUNE 2026)