Madagascar President’s Chief of Staff Found Guilty of Offering Bribes to UK Mining Company

Specifically, Romy Andrianarisoa, 47, was convicted of demanding money and shares in exchange for securing a profitable emerald mining deal for the UK-based company Gemfields. She was apprehended along with a French national, Philippe Tabuteau, 54, following a meeting in London set up by an undercover National Crime Agency (NCA) officer. Tabuteau pleaded guilty to the charge the following month, while Andrianarisoa was convicted after a trial at Southwark Crown Court.

After her arrest, Andrianarisoa was suspended by President Andry Rajoelina and eventually replaced as chief of staff. During a hearing last year, the court heard that Rajoelina had distanced himself from her, stating that “everybody needs to follow the values of the republic,” and expressing support for UK authorities.

Andrianarisoa’s barrister, Graham Blower, emphasized that his client was not “shielded under a diplomatic umbrella.”

Related Stories

Gemfields specializes in mining rubies and emeralds, and Madagascar is known for its large reserves of emeralds.

During the trial, evidence was presented that Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau first met with an executive from Gemfields on March 29, 2023, during which it became clear that she was seeking a bribe in exchange for vaguely described services.

Aide Claimed ‘Significant Influence’ With Leadership of Madagascar

The NCA issued a statement saying, “At the time of the 2023 meetings, she was chief of staff to President Rajoelina of Madagascar and made it clear that she had a direct line to, and significant influence with, the country’s leadership.”

Tabuteau claimed he had no official role in government but worked in a private, personal capacity.

The court heard that Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau insisted that no conversations take place on the phone and that all meetings would be held at short notice in Airbnbs around London, which were to be booked at short notice.

The two ultimately demanded two payments, each of 125,000 Swiss francs (£250,000). They stated that the first payment would secure a meeting with President Rajoelina, and the second would secure a memorandum of understanding, enabling the mining operation to proceed. In addition, they demanded 5 percent of the shares of a joint venture between Gemfields and the Madagascar government, valued at £4 million. Andrianarisoa even asserted that she could guarantee the success of the mining project, even if Mr. Rajoelina were to lose the election or be ousted.

Upon learning of these demands, the Gemfields executive reported them to his superior, who then informed the NCA and cooperated with their investigation.

Undercover NCA Officer Recorded Meetings

At the next meeting with Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau, an undercover NCA officer, identified only as Charles, was present. It was agreed that he would be the intermediary to facilitate the illicit payments, to be made in cash, gold, or gems. Charles covertly recorded every meeting, and on August 10, 2023, NCA officers intercepted a hotel near London’s Victoria station. It was here that the pair were caught receiving £10,000 in “goodwill payments” that had been arranged.

Andy Kelly, head of the NCA’s international corruption unit, stated, “This investigation demonstrates the ability of the ICU to capitalize on cooperation from industry, and the determination of our officers to bring to justice those who undermine the rule of law.”

“We are particularly grateful to Gemfields for not only bringing this matter to our attention, but also continuing to work with us throughout the investigation to bring about a successful result,” he added.

Thomas Short, from the Crown Prosecution Service, remarked, “Romy Andrianarisoa is a corrupt official who chose to enrich herself in the course of her public duties.”

Andrianarisoa, who has three young children in Madagascar, is scheduled to be sentenced next month and could face up to 14 years in prison.