Romy Andrianarisoa, 47, the former chief of staff to Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina, was found guilty of bribery by a British jury on Tuesday. She had denied seeking a bribe from British mining company Gemfields to secure mining licenses in Madagascar.
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), Andrianarisoa, along with her French associate Philippe Tabuteau (54), attempted to solicit a £225,000 bribe from Gemfields in exchange for their help securing a joint mining venture with the Madagascan government. She also allegedly requested a five-percent equity stake in the proposed deal, potentially worth $5 million. The NCA further stated that Andrianarisoa presented herself as having significant influence with Madagascar’s leadership.
Both Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau were arrested in London last August. Tabuteau pleaded guilty in September, while Andrianarisoa maintained her innocence throughout the trial. She now faces sentencing on March 18 and could face up to 10 years in prison.
Gemfields, specializing in colored gemstones, reported the attempted bribery to the NCA. The company currently does not operate any mines in Madagascar but owns a local company that reportedly holds mining licenses there.
This case sheds light on Madagascar’s ongoing struggle with corruption. Transparency International ranked the country 145th out of 180 in its 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. President Rajoelina, re-elected in November 2023, first came to power through a coup in 2009.
The conviction of Andrianarisoa serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in combating bribery and corruption, particularly in resource-rich countries like Madagascar. It remains to be seen what impact this case will have on the country’s fight against corruption and the future of President Rajoelina’s administration.
