Following a police investigation, the chief of staff for the president of Madagascar Romy Andrianarisoa and a “associate” have been charged with bribery violations in Britain, according to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
Romy Andrianarisoa, 46, the top advisor to the president of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, and Philippe Tabuteau, 54, are accused of asking a British mining corporation for a bribe in order to obtain permits to operate in Madagascar.
The pair were remanded in custody on Saturday after they were arrested Thursday in central London “at a meeting where they are suspected of having attempted to solicit a bribe,” the NCA said.
“Following a fast-paced investigation into suspected bribery in action, Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau were arrested in the Victoria area of London on Thursday afternoon,” it added.
On September 8, they are scheduled to return to court in south London. The NCA, which combats severe and organised crime in Britain and around the world, stated that its investigation got underway after Gemfields, a mining company, “raised concerns” with the agency.
According to the report, Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau, a French national, demanded $285,000.00 in “upfront charges” and a 5% ownership stake in a planned license transaction on the island nation off the coast of southeast Africa.
No other information regarding the alleged offenses was given. Gemfields received plaudits from Andy Kelly, head of the NCA’s international corruption team, 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,” he added.
According to Britain’s 2010 Bribery Act, the two were each charged with one count of seeking, consenting to receive, or accepting a bribe. They each risk up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
It does not currently run any mines in Madagascar, but it does control Oriental Mining, a company established there that supposedly has mining permits there.