Romy Andrianarisoa, the former chief of staff of Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, was sentenced to three years and six months in jail by a London court for requesting considerable bribes in exchange for exclusive mining rights from Gemfields, a UK-based mining company specialising in rubies and emeralds.
Andrianarisoa, aged 47, and her colleague Phillipe Tabuteau, 54, were arrested and charged in August 2023, where Tabuteau pleaded guilty, while Andrianarisoa pleaded not guilty.
As per the information given by the National Crime Agency (NCA), Andrianarisoa approached Gemfields through an agent, leading to several in-person discussions about potential contracts. Suspicious of corruption, Gemsfields reported their concerns to the NCA, sparking an investigation that incorporated covert methods.
The Southwark Crown Court found both Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau guilty on February 20. Later, the pair were sentenced at the same court, with Andrianarisoa receiving a three year six-month sentence, and Tabuteau sentenced to two years and three months.
After the judgment was passed, the NCA released new audio clips revealing the bribery in progress. These clips included a request for 250,000 Swiss Francs to plan an invitation from the Madagascar president as well as establishing and signing joint venture terms. An additional request for a “success fee” in the form of five percent equity stakes and a goodwill payment to kickstart the project was also revealed.
The NCA applauded its efforts and the cooperation of industry stakeholders in ensuring the rule of law is maintained and justice served. Gemsfields, in particular, received recognition for bringing the issue to the NCA’s attention and their subsequent cooperation.