Madagascar President’s Chief of Staff Arrested in London, Charged With Bribery

National Crime Agency says it was tipped off by UK mining firm Gemfields

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina inspects the troops during the Independence Day celebration at the brand new Barea Stadium in Antananarivo, on June 26, 2021. Rijasolo/AFP via Getty Images

The president of Madagascar’s chief of staff and a French associate have been charged with bribery after being arrested in London by the National Crime Agency (NCA) last week.

Romy Andrianarisoa, 46, and associate Philippe Tabuteau, 54, were arrested in the Victoria area of London on Aug. 10, "suspected of seeking a bribe to secure licences to operate in Madagascar from Gemfields, a UK company involved in the mining of rubies and emeralds, the NCA said in a statement.

Madagascar is home to some of the world’s largest deposits of rubies.

Andry Rajoelina, 49, who has been president since 2018 and is up for reelection in November, hasn’t commented on the criminal charges faced by his chief of staff.

It’s alleged that Ms. Andrianarisoa, a Malagasy national, and Mr. Tabuteau, a French national, were demanding £250,000 up front and a 5 percent equity stake.

‘Fast-Paced Investigation’

“Following a fast paced investigation into suspected bribery in action, Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau were arrested ... at a meeting where they are suspected of having attempted to solicit a bribe,” the NCA said.

The agency consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which provided legal advice, allowing for the pair to be charged on Aug. 11. It isn’t known if the pair attempted to claim diplomatic immunity.

Ms. Andrianarisoa and Mr. Tabuteau appeared before magistrates and were remanded in custody until Sept. 8, when they will appear before Southwark Crown Court.

The pair have been charged under the 2010 Bribery Act (pdf) and, if convicted, could face up to 10 years in prison.

“This operation demonstrates the ability of the ICU to capitalise on cooperation from industry,“ said Andy Kelly, head of the International Corruption Unit at the NCA. ”I am grateful to Gemfields for bringing this matter to our attention and for their ongoing cooperation with the investigation. Their quick reactions to engage the NCA have been critical to our ability to pursue this case.”

Joanne Jakymec, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the NCA to charge Romy Andrianarisoa and Philippe Tabuteau with requesting a bribe. The CPS made the decision to authorise charges after reviewing a file of evidence from the NCA relating to allegations of bribery.”

‘Right to Fair Trial’

“Criminal proceedings against Ms. Andrianarisoa and Mr. Tabuteau are active and they have a right to a fair trial,“ Ms. Jakymec added. ”It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

“The function of the CPS is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for a criminal court to consider,” she added.

A man holding a child on his back stands on a doorstep flooded with rainwater in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Jan. 28, 2023. Alexander Joe/AP Photo

Mr. Rajoelina, a former disc jockey and entrepreneur, rose to prominence as mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, but in 2009, he was ousted by his political rival, then-President Marc Ravalomanana.

Mr. Rajoelina regained power after the military ousted Mr. Ravalomanana and he remained in power until losing an election in 2014.

He regained the presidency in 2018.

In 2021 two French nationals were jailed for up to 20 years for plotting to oust him in another coup.

Madagascar, which is renowned for its wildlife and its world-famous vanilla, it is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. The World Bank estimated that in 2012, about 77 percent of the population lived on a daily income of $1.90 or less.