COMMUNIQUÉ BDO The management of BDO has taken cognizance of the ruling delivered by the Acting Vice President of the Intermediate Court of Mauritius on 6th October 2014 dismissing the information against our Deputy Managing Partner, Afsar A A Ebrahim. It is with utter relief and indeed without surprise that we read that the learned Magistrate, who had presided over the case for some five years, ruled that Afsar had no case to answer. In an information, lodged in 2010, Afsar was charged with offences relating to a receivership he conducted with late Jean Marc Harel (JMH), as lead partner, at the time he was part of DCDM Organisation and which was successfully completed in 2008. JMH was also charged with same offences. The matter was then discontinued against him in view of his terminal illness. The ruling vindicates his reputation as well. The management of BDO also acknowledges the interest in, and the coverage of, the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal against the aforesaid ruling. BDO respects the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions to exercise his legal right to appeal as it respected, some five years ago, the decision to lodge an information against Afsar. As it did over the years BDO will stand guided by its legal team. BDO maintains its faith in the Judiciary of the Republic of Mauritius and is confident that at the end of the judicial process, the reputation of a professional who merely did his job will be vindicated. BDO stands advised that the Appeal does not put in question the following facts: • The Police is not in presence of any allegation against Afsar • The Police inquiry which started in 2008 did not reveal any incriminating evidence against Afsar • None of the witnesses which testified before the Ag Vice President of the Intermediate Court of Mauritius, over the last five years, had anything adverse to say about Afsar • The impugned transaction, to which Afsar was party in his professional capacity as Joint Receiver/Manager, was recommended by one of the most eminent Senior Counsel of Mauritius who was acting for the foreign investors. BDO stands behind Afsar, a respected professional, known for his hard work and integrity. BDO and its staff have always strived to uphold the highest code of ethics and professionalism and in addition, have always been guided by eminent lawyers as and when required in the course of their duties. BDO and Afsar wish to thank heartily all their valued clients, partners, staff and well-wishers who have stood by them throughout the court case. Their unflinching support over these 5 years, through words and actions, will be forever remembered. This 31st October 2014