'Mauritius and France real estate scam: Fraudster faces trial in Toulouse'

Last week, a 38-year-old fraudster from Toulouse was arrested and sent to prison for fraudulent activities in which he promised lucrative investments in Mauritius while ripping off his victims. He operated, in particular, from Mauritius.

The court numbered a total of 11 victims to the tune of 500,000 euros (23.5 million rupees at current day exchange rates) in France and Mauritius.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, the suspect was presented before an investigator in Toulouse, where he was charged with "fraud" and arrested. His partner is also being prosecuted under the same article and is under judicial control.

Pretending to be an 'advisor to Dimitri Pae', he claimed to manage''The finances of former Reunion footballer Dimitri Pae, who played for Olympique Marseille and has connections with a number of professionals in the world of soccer. But it was all pure lies. The fraudster, always smartly dressed, was highly credible. He was called "a true master of fraud".

The money disappeared, going towards his lavish lifestyle, which included trips from Mauritius for "business" to Spain, then to Reunion, Prague, Corsica and the Côte d'Azur. Years later, however, more and more anxious investors demanded results, but the fraudster reassured them with empty promises and''with excuses for blocking money for various reasons. Nothing changed for two years and the victims were left in a difficult situation.

To maintain his luxurious lifestyle, the alleged fraudster began targeting new victims in Mauritius, which eventually led to his arrest in early 2023 on charges of 'money laundering and fraud'. After his release, he decided to face French justice as the authorities in Toulouse had already issued a warrant for his arrest. He was already known to the police and chose to remain silent during questioning.