https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/jean-franklin-celerine-continues-bail-battle-amid-extradition-and-money-laundering-charges/

Notorious Jean Hubert Celerine, also known as Franklin, continues his relentless pursuit of bail. His legal representatives lodged a fresh application in the Bail and Remand Court (BRC) on December 20, 2023, following a denial from the Port-Louis tribunal on December 18, 2023. Conducted via video conference, the hearing was overseen by Magistrate Chitra Soobagrah-Pillay, who set a new hearing date for January 10, 2024. This delay was to facilitate the prosecution’s response to Franklin’s latest bail plea.

Extradition Request and Contumacious Judgment

Franklin currently resides in the high-security Melrose prison, awaiting the French authorities’ extradition request. This request stems from a contumacious verdict by the Saint Denis de La Réunion correctional tribunal on July 2, 2021. In Franklin’s absence, he was sentenced to seven years behind bars for complicity in unauthorized narcotics transport, among other crimes.

Money Laundering Charge

Adding to Franklin’s legal woes, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has provisionally charged him with money laundering. This allegation relates to an incident on June 10, 2020, in La Gaulette, where Franklin purportedly purchased a house worth over Rs 25 million through a strawman, Rikesh Sumboo. The funds allegedly originated from drug trafficking activities.

Waiting for the Next Hearing

With the next hearing scheduled for January 10, 2024, Franklin’s fate hangs in the balance. Will he secure bail, or will the prosecution’s arguments sway the court to keep him behind bars, pending extradition by French authorities? Only time will tell in this unfolding legal drama.