The Bank of Mauritius issued a public notice after alleged personal information relating to bank customers was disclosed publicly via online media platforms, highlighting that the Banking Act imposes criminal offences for unlawful possession or publication of confidential customer or financial institution information. The notice reproduces Section 64(1A) and (1B) of the Banking Act, under which a person commits an offence if they receive information knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe it was disclosed in contravention of the confidentiality provisions, possess such information without just or reasonable grounds, or publish any information relating to the affairs of a customer or financial institution without the customer’s or institution’s express written consent. On conviction, penalties include, for individuals, a fine of up to MUR 500,000 and imprisonment of up to three years, and in other cases a fine of up to MUR 1,000,000. A statutory defence applies to prosecutions under Section 64(1A)(a) or (b) where the person can prove the disclosure was made without consent and that they took prompt steps to surrender the information to the central bank and, where electronic, to delete copies.
Bank of Mauritius 2025-02-21
Bank of Mauritius reminds press and public of Banking Act offences for disclosing or publishing confidential customer information
The Bank of Mauritius issued a notice after alleged online disclosure of bank customers' personal information, emphasizing that the Banking Act criminalizes unauthorized possession or publication. Offences include receiving, possessing, or publishing confidential information without consent, with penalties up to MUR 1,000,000 and imprisonment. A statutory defence exists if the information was surrendered to the central bank and deleted promptly.