Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-04-11 03:00:05
The Mauritius Revenue Authority, a generally well-informed source, is reportedly closely scrutinizing four of Jean Michel Lee Shim’s companies. Rumors suggest that this action was taken at the express request of an influential member of the executive and Lakwizinn, with whom he is no longer on good terms. The targeted companies are SmartMarketSales.mu, SMSPariaz, Global Equestrian Limited, and People’s Turf PLC. It has been impossible to confirm this information with the MRA at this stage.
It is no secret that the financial operations of JMLS Empire companies have always aroused curiosity and questions, and most recently, on Tuesday in the National Assembly, the mauve member of parliament Rajesh Bhagwan pressed Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy on the finances of People’s Turf PLC. This is not the first time that the minister has been questioned about JMLS Empire companies. This led to the mauve MP being targeted by the online platform of the betting magnate, accusing him of being fixated on Jean Michel Lee Shim’s maneuvers.
JMLS has always had “friends” within the Mauritius Revenue Authority, who have often been praised and rewarded for their services, especially one particular friend who has frequently traveled from London with other friendly colleagues. However, recently, this individual has lost influence, and tax officials working on these companies are questioning the financial statements provided. It appears that certain information regarding People’s Turf PLC, SmartMarketSales.mu, SMSPariaz, and Global Equestrian Limited will need to be verified, especially since some accounts and reports have not yet been audited. At this point, nothing incriminating has emerged from the Mauritian tax authority.
Sorting out the chaos
In any case, Jean Michel Lee Shim has been advised to “sort out his disorder,” as they say. To do so, he has sought the assistance of a former Labour minister who is currently in talks with the MSM to secure a ticket for the upcoming elections.
Potential “orange” candidates in the capital are closely monitoring the situation, as they believe that Jean Michel Lee Shim’s reputation could be a burden today, as he has lost some of his luster. He is blamed for changing horse racing for the worse, with Port Louis residents holding him responsible for the disfigurement of Champ de Mars, once considered a popular heritage and tourist site. The historic racecourse of the Republic of Mauritius is now just a shadow of its former glory.
Always “friends at the MRA”
Among turf enthusiasts and the general public, JMLS betting companies are criticized for not operating like the other two Totes, Supertote and Tote Lepep, which have always been transparent about their revenues and contributions to race organizers. People’s Tote has never felt the need or been compelled to do the same for reasons unknown.
It is widely known that some bets with SMSPariaz and People’s Tote are not in real-time connection with the MRA server unlike their competitors. Why this disparity and double standards? The Finance Minister had promised changes in this regard. According to reports, PTP declared net profits of Rs 2 million for the past season. This is good news, but it seems that this positive balance was achieved at the expense of horse owners who saw their stakes money drastically reduced during the season.
SMSPariaz has several outlets across the island, supervised by female Regional Heads. The husband of one of them, a former MRA employee who started his own business after retirement, now acts as one of JMLS Empire’s advisors. He is familiar with the system and the house, and furthermore, he still has “friends” working at the MRA.
Global Equestrian Limited is also under MRA scrutiny, as issues arise with the leasing of horses. Whether the money collected from these leases is subject to VAT is a disputed matter. An investigation reveals loopholes, as many lessors reportedly paid their leases in cash to a certain Natasha Sampson without receiving any receipts. It is currently questioned whether this GEL employee has a valid work permit from Mauritian authorities. These questions intrigue the MRA, seeking concrete answers from GEL.
As for SMS.mu, it is a versatile company within JMLS, offering a range of products from food items, home appliances, stationery, equestrian equipment, hardware products, pastries in collaboration with LA FRIANDISE, and children’s clothing under KIDS CORNER. It is even said that SMS.mu has bought and sold tractors before. Only JMLS can explain the reasons behind these endeavors that defy logic. Meanwhile, they will have to provide explanations to the MRA, and no one knows if their “friends” within the government will show sincerity in return for the generosity of the betting magnate.
Overall, the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s interest in JMLS companies suggests a deeper probe into their financial activities, potentially uncovering irregularities and raising questions regarding transparency and compliance with tax regulations.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
