Madam Speaker, in regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the Cybercrime Unit is headed by an officer of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, who is accountable to the Deputy Commissioner of Police Crime. The Unit is presently staffed with 16 other officers of different ranks, comprising another Assistant Superintendent of Police, one Police Inspector, eight Police Sergeants, and six Police Constables. As regards part (b) of the question, I am informed that for the period 01 November 2025 to 23 April 2026, a total of 116 cases has been referred to the Cybercrime Unit for investigation. Out of these, one case has been filed before the court, six cases have led to arrests, with the persons concerned released on bail with conditions, and enquiries in the remaining cases are ongoing. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (c) of the question, Government is aware of the existing operational constraints of the Cybercrime Unit and is taking steps to strengthen its operational capacity in view of the increasing volume and complexity of cyber-related offences. In this respect – (i) a more integrated operational framework has been established, whereby the Cybercrime Unit works in close coordination with the Police IT Unit, which provides 24/7 technical and digital forensic support for investigations; (ii) the collaboration has been further enhanced through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 28 January 2026 between the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-MU), the Mauritius Police Force and the Data Protection Office for the operation of a Digital Forensic Laboratory under the Police IT Unit, and (iii) training is being provided to officers through a range of international organisations and partner jurisdictions to enhance their expertise in areas, such as digital forensics, cyber investigations and emerging cyber threats. Madam Speaker, still, I feel there is room for improvement. Therefore, I have asked for the assistance of the Government of India during my State visit in September 2025. Following the request, the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation was engaged in discussion with Maharashtra Cyber, a specialised cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity unit of the Maharashtra Police Force in India, with a view to enhancing the operational capacity of the Cybercrime Unit. In November 2025, a delegation from Maharashtra Cyber visited Mauritius, and in December 2025, a Mauritian delegation led by the hon. Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation visited Mumbai to pursue further discussions with the Maharashtra Cyber Police on specific areas of cooperation. However, after looking at their proposal, I have decided to deal directly with Delhi. These engagements have led to ongoing structured discussions focusing on key strategic areas of collaboration, including the establishment of a Command-and-Control Centre as a centralised platform for cybercrime response, the development of enhanced digital forensic capabilities to address complex investigations, and the strengthening of national cybercrime response mechanisms. Alongside these initiatives, and in line with the Government’s Programme of 2025- 2029, the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation is working on amendments to the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act to further reinforce the legal framework. These amendments will provide for an enhanced oversight and auditing of critical information infrastructure as well as stronger safeguards for child online protection. They will also strengthen the obligations of service providers to implement robust cybersecurity measures, comply with mandatory security standards and audits, report and respond promptly to cyber incidents, and cooperate fully with investigators. Drafting instructions have already been conveyed to the Attorney General’s Office for the preparation of the amendment Bill.

Thank you. The hon. Third Member for Grand Baie & Poudre d'Or! MAURITIUS REVENUE AUTHORITY – TAX REVENUE COLLECTION – OUTSTANDING AMOUNT (MARCH 2026)