A former chief of staff to Madagascar’s president allegedly demanded bribes from a British gemstone company in exchange for mining rights, a London jury heard on Tuesday.
Romy Andrianarisoa, 47, is charged with one count of bribery for soliciting payments from Gemfields, a London-listed company that produces emeralds, rubies, and other precious stones in Africa and Asia. She denies the charge.
According to the prosecution, Andrianarisoa met with Gemfields executives in 2021 and claimed she had direct influence over President Andry Rajoelina, who took office in 2019 after a disputed election.
She and her associate, Philippe Tabuteau, a French national who is not on trial, allegedly asked for around 270,000 Swiss francs ($310,000) and a 5% stake in a Gemfields subsidiary in Madagascar to help the company secure mining licenses in the island nation.
The case is part of a wider investigation by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) into corruption and money laundering involving foreign officials and UK companies.
The NCA deployed an undercover officer posing as a consultant for Gemfields, who recorded the conversations with Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau. The recordings were played in court on Tuesday, in which Andrianarisoa can be heard saying she could “make things happen” for Gemfields in Madagascar.
Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries, despite its rich natural resources. It ranks 158th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
Gemfields, which operates the world’s largest emerald mine in Zambia and the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique, has faced allegations of human rights abuses and environmental damage in the past. The company has denied any wrongdoing and said it was cooperating with the NCA.
The trial is expected to last for four weeks and will hear evidence from Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson and other witnesses.
The case highlights the challenges faced by mining companies operating in Africa, where they often have to deal with complex legal and regulatory frameworks, political instability, and social unrest.
However, some experts say that the UK’s anti-corruption laws and enforcement can help improve the governance and transparency of the mining sector in Africa and beyond.
“The UK has a responsibility to ensure that its companies do not engage in or facilitate corruption abroad and that they respect human rights and the environment,” said Daniel Balint-Kurti, head of investigations at Global Witness, a watchdog group that campaigns against corruption and environmental harm in the extractive industries.
“By holding companies and individuals to account, the UK can send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated and that it supports the development and democracy of resource-rich countries like Madagascar.”
Source: Reuters
