MRA Uncovers Major Fraud in “Prime à l’Emploi” Scheme
Employment support scheme
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has uncovered a significant case of fraud involving the “Prime à l’Emploi” Scheme — a government initiative designed to incentivise the employment of youth, women, and persons with disabilities through monthly wage subsidies of up to Rs 15,000 per eligible recruit.
The scheme, which allows employers to apply online and receive instant approval when statutory conditions are met, is administered through a robust digital platform managed by the MRA. One of the key eligibility conditions is the employer’s compliance with their Contribution Sociale Généralisée (CSG) obligations under the Social Contribution and Social Benefits Act 2021.
To ensure the integrity of the system and expedite legitimate payments, the MRA has implemented an automated verification process. However, it is during post-payment audits — relying on internal cross-checks, third-party data, and public complaints — that anomalies are most often detected.
A recent post-payment verification revealed a serious breach involving fraudulent claims amounting to Rs 32 million. According to the MRA, this fraud was uncovered through its internal audit mechanisms and the work of its Fiscal Investigation Department (FID). The fraudulent activity involved the falsification of documents and misrepresentation by employers to unlawfully access wage subsidies.
In response, the MRA activated a series of enforcement measures, including the recovery of the disbursed amount under Section 150F(7) of the Income Tax Act, the issuance of attachment orders on bank accounts and assets, the inscription of property to safeguard the State’s financial interest, the lodging of departure objections with the Passport and Immigration Office, and the referral of the case to the Financial Crime Commission (FCC) and the Police for criminal investigation and prosecution.
The MRA has welcomed the proactive steps taken by the FCC and emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling financial crimes. It reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability in the management of public funds.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected abuse of the “Prime à l’Emploi” Scheme through MRA’s confidential reporting platforms.
This case serves as a stark reminder that while employment support schemes play a vital socio-economic role, their success hinges on continuous oversight and the integrity of all stakeholders. The scale of this fraud suggests that other similar cases may exist, and it is imperative that the authorities act swiftly and decisively to identify and hold all offenders accountable.
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 9 May 2025
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