Madagascar president’s chief of staff charged with UK bribery offence
Gemfields reported the alleged demand to the UK National Crime Agency.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The chief of staff to the president of Madagascar has been charged with a bribery offence amid claims that a UK mining company was asked to pay £225,000 for a licence to operate in the country.
Romy Andrianarisoa, 46, and French national Philippe Tabuteau, 54, were arrested in London last week at a meeting where it is alleged they demanded the payment from Gemfields along with a 5% equity stake.
Gemfields reported the alleged demand to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) which launched an investigation.
Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau were charged with requesting, agreeing to receive or accepting a bribe, and appeared in court on Saturday where they were remanded in custody, the NCA said.
The pair will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on September 8.
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.”