National Crime Agency: Criminal Justice Reforms at the Core of Discussions

The proposed National Crime Agency (NCA) and wider reforms aimed at strengthening the investigation and prosecution of serious and complex crimes were at the centre of a panel discussion held yesterday at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Port Louis.

The discussions brought together, as panellists, the Attorney-General, Mr Gavin Glover; the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Rashid Ahmine; and the President of the Mauritius Bar Association, Mr Antoine Domingue, to examine the proposed National Crime Agency and the Police and Criminal Justice Bills.

Attorney-General Glover highlighted that the proposed reforms are part of efforts to establish a new ecosystem for criminal justice in Mauritius, encompassing new legislation, strengthened safeguards, more effective investigative processes and closer collaboration between investigative and prosecutorial authorities. He explained that the NCA would operate as a specialised agency dealing with financial crime, cybercrime and other complex, serious and organised crime.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police will retain his powers, with the NCA and Police expected to work collaboratively through, amongst others, an operational protocol, joint investigations and information-sharing mechanisms.

Addressing surveillance provisions, the Attorney-General distinguished surveillance conducted from public places from intrusive surveillance and interception. He indicated that intrusive measures would require approval of the NCA’s Director-General and judicial authorisation, with the Judge also required to consider proportionality and determine the duration of the order.

DPP Ahmine expressed support for the proposed NCA framework and outlined the importance of its intelligence capability, joint investigations and closer cooperation between investigators and prosecutors. He observed that early consultation with prosecutors during investigations can help address evidential issues and reduce delays once cases reach the prosecution stage.

The DPP nevertheless stressed that the NCA must form part of a holistic reform of the criminal justice system, supported by a modern prosecution service and an efficient court system. Mauritius, he stated, requires an investigative agency that is strong, efficient, independent and credible, and the proposed legislation represents a good starting point towards that objective.

Mr Domingue, emphasising that he was expressing his personal views, called for support for effective investigation of serious crime, recovery of criminal assets and protection of victims, and underpinned that reforms must be undertaken within the existing constitutional framework. He called for clearly defined investigative powers, effective judicial oversight and protection of legal professional privilege.

The panel discussion was followed by an interactive dialogue with participants.

08 October 2026

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Topics: Judiciary, Law