Mauritian authorities have arrested Maminiaina Ravatomanga, a close aide to former Madagascan president Andry Rajoelina, on suspicion of laundering 7.3 billion Mauritian rupees (approximately $163 million), according to the country’s Financial Crimes Commission (FCC).
An FCC spokesperson said on Friday that Ravatomanga was detained in Port Louis while receiving treatment at a private clinic. The spokesperson, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the arrest was linked to assets allegedly connected to criminal proceeds.
“The FCC has reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Ravatomanga, while managing several entities in Mauritius, possessed property suspected to represent the proceeds of criminal activity,” the spokesperson said.
Ravatomanga’s lawyer, Siddartha Hawaldar, confirmed his client’s arrest but declined to comment further on the allegations.
Ravatomanga reportedly fled to Mauritius after Rajoelina left Madagascar amid youth-led protests earlier this month. Rajoelina was impeached by lawmakers 12 days ago after leaving the country, and has since denounced the military takeover as illegitimate.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the coup, was sworn in as Madagascar’s new president last Friday and has appointed businessman and consultant Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister.
Mauritian officials said investigations into the money laundering allegations are ongoing.
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Source:Africa Publicity
