Romy Andrianarisoa, the chief-of-staff for the Madagascan president, has been charged in the UK for allegedly seeking a bribe from a gem mining company. Andrianarisoa, along with an
associate named Philippe Tabuteau, is accused of offering British firm Gemfields licenses for operations in Madagascar in exchange for approximately £225,000.
Both individuals are facing charges of soliciting, agreeing to accept, or accepting a bribe. Following a brief court appearance on Saturday, they were remanded in custody.
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), Andrianarisoa, aged 46, and Tabuteau, a 54-year-old French national, are also alleged to have attempted to secure a 5% equity stake in any of Gemfields' projects in Madagascar.
The NCA reported that the pair was apprehended in central London's Victoria area on Thursday afternoon during a meeting where they were suspected of attempting to solicit a bribe.
Andy Kelly, Head of International Corruption at the NCA, expressed gratitude to Gemfields for bringing the matter to their attention and for their continued cooperation in the investigation.
Both Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau appeared in court on Saturday and have been remanded in custody until their next appearance at Southwark Crown Court on 8 September.
The NCA did not specify the details of the licenses related to the alleged offenses. Photo by Rod Waddington, Wikimedia commons.