Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in September 2025, someone came to see me at the office to inform me about the alleged exportation and sales of subsided flour to Comoros Islands. My Ministry has started an internal investigation and found that the fraud began no later than July 2024. In view of the seriousness of the allegations and the possible diversion of flour intended for subsided bread production in Mauritius, on 14 October 2025, the Mauritius Police Force was requested to investigate into the matter with a view to determining the source of procurement of the flour exported by Mr Moindze. On 23 December 2025, the Central Criminal Investigation Department (CCID) has informed my Ministry that according to records kept at the Passport and Immigration Office, Mr Abdoulhakim Moindze was presently abroad and his expected date of return was unknown. As such, no statement was recorded. An officer-in-charge of PIO was instructed to notify the CCID upon the arrival of Mr Abdoulhakim Moindze for investigation. Subsequently, on 06 March 2026, a request was also made to the Financial Crimes Commission to investigate into the matter and to determine whether any offence falling under its purview may have been committed. As reported in the press, Mr Abdoulhakim Moindze was arrested on 18 April 2026 by the Financial Crimes Commission. Mr Baboo Virendranathsingh Gowreesunkar, a 54-year- old director of Ryder Xpress Co. Ltd. was also arrested on 20 April 2026. He is suspected of having conspired with Mr Abdoulhakim Moindze while acting in his capacity as Director of Ryder Xpress Co. Ltd. The investigation is still underway. In addition, my Ministry is working on corrective measures which include the introduction of specific regulations to prohibit the export of subsidised goods without prior authorisation. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards part (b) of the question, since July 2024 till date, 287.5 metric tons of flour have been exported to Comoros Islands. Investigations are still ongoing to determine with certainty the exact origin of all quantities concerned and whether all or part thereof consisted of subsidised flour. As for the corresponding financial loss to Government, it would be premature to state a definitive figure at this stage, as same will depend on the quantities conclusively established as having benefitted from subsidy support and, subsequently, diverted from their intended purpose. Once investigations are completed and verified facts are available, we will be in a better position to state the extent of the financial loss.

Yes, question!

Je vous remercie, M. le président. Can the Minister inform the House whether selling a bag of flour at Rs108 to bakers constituted a significant loophole in this massive fraud? Thank you.

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is definitely a loophole which was here, and the Government has come with corrective measures. We eliminated the price of Rs108, which is now Rs217.50. We also have to mention that the cost price of a bag of flour is Rs650. So, now we have a subsidised price at Rs217.50 per bag.

Last one!

Je vous remercie, M. le président. Can the Minister inform the House about the current status of the subsidy account? I understand that R 7.20 is being collected from the sales of Mogas and Gas Oil to finance flour, LPG and du riz ration. Merci.

This is very far from your question! Your supplementary is very far from your main…

She is asking about the subsidy in fact.

Subsidy account.

How it is being financed. In fact, we have a deficit in the subsidy account. Let me give you the details – • as at 30 June 2022, there was a deficit of Rs871 million; • as at 30 June 2023, there was another deficit of Rs243,000; • as at 30 June 2024, another deficit of Rs109 million; • as at 30 June 2025, Rs681 million. So, the total is Rs1.9 billion. This is why we have come with corrective measures.

The hon. Fourth Member for Rodrigues! MAURITIUS & RODRIGUES – PIG BREEDING – MARKET DEMAND – FACILITIES & SUPPORT